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Bromocriptine and amantadine in cocaine detoxification
A J Giannini1, D J Folts, J N Feather
1Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine, Columbus.
Psychiatry Research
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Bromocriptine and amantadine effectively treat cocaine withdrawal symptoms initially. Bromocriptine maintained effectiveness longer than amantadine, which became no better than placebo over time.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are linked to central dopamine depletion.
- Dopamine agonists, bromocriptine and amantadine, may alleviate these symptoms.
- Previous research suggests potential efficacy for both drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of bromocriptine and amantadine in treating cocaine withdrawal.
- To assess the duration of effectiveness for each dopamine agonist.
Main Methods:
- A 30-day withdrawal study involving 30 subjects.
- Treatment groups included amantadine, bromocriptine, and placebo.
- Symptom severity and drug effectiveness were monitored.
Main Results:
- Both bromocriptine and amantadine showed greater effectiveness than placebo for the initial 15 days.
- Amantadine's effectiveness diminished, becoming comparable to placebo by study's end.
- Bromocriptine demonstrated significantly superior effectiveness compared to amantadine and placebo in the later study phase.
Conclusions:
- Bromocriptine offers sustained efficacy in managing cocaine withdrawal symptoms.
- Amantadine's effectiveness wanes, possibly due to dopamine release stimulation.
- These findings highlight bromocriptine as a potentially more durable treatment option for cocaine dependence.