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Vilazodone for cannabis dependence: A randomized, controlled pilot trial.
Aimee L McRae-Clark1, Nathaniel L Baker2, Kevin M Gray1
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
The American Journal on Addictions
|December 22, 2015
Summary
Vilazodone did not prove more effective than placebo for treating cannabis dependence. Future research should consider gender differences in cannabis use disorder treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Cannabis dependence is a significant public health concern.
- Selective serotonin receptor inhibitors and partial 5-HT1A agonists are classes of medications explored for substance use disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of vilazodone in treating cannabis dependence.
- To determine if vilazodone offers benefits over placebo in reducing cannabis use.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 76 adults with cannabis dependence.
- Participants received either vilazodone (up to 40 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks.
- Interventions included motivational enhancement therapy and contingency management; outcomes assessed via urine tests and self-report.
Main Results:
- Both vilazodone and placebo groups showed reduced self-reported cannabis use.
- Vilazodone did not demonstrate a significant advantage over placebo in reducing cannabis use.
- Women exhibited poorer cannabis use outcomes compared to men, indicated by higher cannabinoid levels and fewer negative urine tests.
Conclusions:
- Vilazodone is not more efficacious than placebo for cannabis dependence.
- Significant gender differences in treatment outcomes for cannabis use disorder were observed.
- Future medication development for cannabis use disorders should account for gender as a critical variable.
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