Related Experiment Videos
Mazindol treatment for cocaine dependence
S M Stine1, J H Krystal, T R Kosten
1Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|October 1, 1995
Summary
This study investigated mazindol for cocaine dependence treatment. Results showed no significant difference in outcomes between mazindol and placebo groups, indicating mazindol
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Cocaine dependence is a significant public health issue with limited effective treatments.
- Developing pharmacotherapies for stimulant use disorders remains a critical research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of mazindol as a treatment for current cocaine dependence in outpatients.
- To compare outcomes between patients receiving mazindol and those receiving a placebo.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study design was employed.
- Forty-three cocaine-dependent outpatients were randomized to receive either mazindol (2 mg once daily) or a placebo for six weeks.
- All participants received weekly group counseling sessions.
Main Results:
- Both mazindol and placebo groups showed improvements in objective measures (urine toxicology) and subjective reports (usage, spending, craving).
- No statistically significant difference in treatment response was observed between the mazindol group and the placebo group.
- Mazindol did not demonstrate superior efficacy compared to placebo in this patient population.
Conclusions:
- Mazindol, at the tested dosage and duration, was not found to be more effective than placebo in treating cocaine dependence.
- Further research may be needed to explore alternative dosages, treatment durations, or specific patient subgroups for potential mazindol efficacy.
- Adjunctive psychosocial treatment (group counseling) appeared to contribute to overall patient improvement regardless of pharmacotherapy.