Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Assessment of Cocaine-induced Behavioral Sensitization and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice
Published on: February 18, 2016
Cocaine abuse treated with phenelzine
Abstract:
Cocaine abuse, a destructive and deadly worldwide problem, can be controlled effectively and inexpensively. Highly successful results in treating 26 cocaine-abusing patients, most of whom failed other treatment modalities, were achieved with the use of phenelzine (Nardil, Parke-Davis). Phenelzine was chosen because cocaine is contraindicated in patients taking the medication and also because it reduces the craving for cocaine. Phenelzine is thought to correct the biochemical defects caused by chronic cocaine use, namely the depletion of brain dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Failure of treatment of cocaine abuse with other pharmacological agents is also presented.
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