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Updated: May 26, 2026
07:51
A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
Antidepressants for cocaine dependence and problematic cocaine use
Pier Paolo Pani1, Emanuela Trogu, Simona Vecchi
1Social-Health Division, Health District 8 (ASL 8) Cagliari, Via Logudoro 17, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, 09127.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Antidepressants do not show proven efficacy for treating cocaine dependence. While some studies suggest a trend towards improved abstinence, this was not statistically significant and disappeared with stricter criteria. Antidepressants are not a primary treatment for cocaine abuse.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cocaine dependence lacks effective pharmacological treatments.
- Neurobiological research may inform future medication development.
- Current treatment options for cocaine use disorder are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of antidepressants for cocaine dependence.
- To assess antidepressants used alone or with psychosocial interventions.
- To determine efficacy in treating cocaine dependence and problematic cocaine use.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized clinical trials.
- Searched CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases.
- Included trials compared antidepressants with placebo, no treatment, or other interventions.
Main Results:
- 37 studies (3551 participants) were analyzed.
- No significant difference in dropouts or safety issues compared to placebo.
- A non-significant trend favoring antidepressants for three-week cocaine abstinence was observed.
- Subgroup analyses and comparisons with other drugs showed no consistent benefits.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support antidepressant efficacy for cocaine abuse/dependence.
- Observed improvements in depression severity did not translate to reduced cocaine use.
- Antidepressants are not recommended as a primary treatment for unselected individuals with cocaine dependence.
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