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Carbamazepine treatment for cocaine dependence
J W Cornish1, I Maany, P J Fudala
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Carbamazepine (CBZ) did not prove effective for treating cocaine dependence in this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The study found no significant differences between CBZ and placebo groups for key outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Cocaine dependence is a significant public health issue with limited effective pharmacotherapies.
- Previous uncontrolled studies suggested carbamazepine (CBZ) might be beneficial for treating cocaine dependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of carbamazepine (CBZ) as a pharmacotherapy for cocaine dependence in a rigorous, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Main Methods:
- 82 subjects with cocaine dependence were randomized to 10 weeks of treatment with either CBZ (titrated to 4-12 µg/ml) or placebo.
- Primary outcome measures included treatment retention, urine toxicology for cocaine metabolites, and self-reported cocaine craving and side-effects.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed between the CBZ and placebo groups in treatment retention.
- Urine samples positive for cocaine metabolite, self-reported desire for cocaine, and self-reported side-effects did not differ between the groups.
- Carbamazepine was not found to be an effective treatment for cocaine dependence in this study.
Conclusions:
- This double-blind, placebo-controlled study failed to demonstrate the efficacy of carbamazepine for treating cocaine dependence.
- The findings contradict previous uncontrolled study results, highlighting the need for robust clinical trials in addiction pharmacotherapy.