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Cocaine and amphetamine dependence treated with desipramine
NIDA Research Monograph
|April 1, 1983
Summary
Desipramine effectively aided withdrawal for individuals dependent on amphetamines and cocaine. Most participants stopped drug use, with many providing negative urine samples, suggesting a promising treatment for stimulant dependency.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Amphetamine and cocaine dependency are significant public health issues.
- Chronic stimulant use, particularly methamphetamine, depletes norepinephrine levels in the brain.
- Norepinephrine plays a crucial role in regulating mood and cognitive function, which may be affected during withdrawal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of desipramine in assisting withdrawal from amphetamine and cocaine dependency.
- To investigate the potential of desipramine as a pharmacological intervention for stimulant use disorder.
Main Methods:
- Desipramine was administered to a cohort of individuals diagnosed with amphetamine and cocaine dependence.
- Participant-reported discontinuation of drug use was monitored.
- Urine samples were collected to verify abstinence from amphetamines and cocaine.
Main Results:
- Out of 22 participants, 19 (86.4%) reported ceasing drug use within seven days of treatment.
- Fifteen participants (68.2%) provided urine samples that tested negative for amphetamines or cocaine.
- The findings suggest a high rate of treatment adherence and abstinence.
Conclusions:
- Desipramine shows significant promise as an aid for withdrawal from amphetamine and cocaine dependency.
- The observed effectiveness may be linked to desipramine's selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, counteracting stimulant-induced depletion.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and establish desipramine's role in addiction treatment protocols.