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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
07:51
A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
WITHDRAWN: Dopamine agonists for cocaine dependence
Bernardo Soares1, Anelise Arl Lima Reisser, Michael Farrell
1Brazilian Cochrane Centre, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 598, São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 04039-001.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|February 19, 2010
Summary
Dopamine agonists like amantadine, bromocriptine, and pergolide are not effective for treating cocaine dependence. Further research is needed to find treatments that help patients remain in therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Cocaine dependence is a significant public health issue with severe medical, psychological, and social consequences.
- Withdrawal symptoms include craving, depression, fatigue, irritability, anorexia, and sleep disturbances.
- Cocaine use alters dopamine levels, suggesting dopamine-targeting drugs might be beneficial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and acceptability of dopamine agonists for treating cocaine dependence.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials identified through extensive electronic database searches and other sources.
- Included trials focused on dopamine agonists for cocaine dependence treatment.
- Data extraction and analysis included Relative Risks and number needed to treat, with sensitivity analyses for dropouts.
Main Results:
- Seventeen studies with 1224 participants evaluated amantadine, bromocriptine, and pergolide.
- No significant differences were found between dopamine agonists and controls for cocaine metabolite levels or treatment retention.
- Efficacy and acceptability outcomes were similar across different participant groups.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support the use of dopamine agonists for treating cocaine dependence.
- Alternative or additional supportive measures are recommended to improve patient retention in treatment.
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