NCJ Number
164361
Journal
American Journal on Addictions Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1997) Pages: 54-64
Date Published
1997
Length
11 pages
Annotation
On the basis of the dopamine depletion theory, the authors conducted a 6-week study with 1 week of pretreatment observation and 5 weeks of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of bromocriptine for cocaine dependence in methadone-maintained male patients.
Abstract
Study subjects included patients in treatment for heroin dependence at the Narcotics Rehabilitation Center of the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. These patients also met specific criteria for cocaine abuse or dependence. Findings showed the bromocriptine group of 24 subjects did not differ from the placebo group of 26 subjects in self-reported cocaine use, the proportion of positive urine toxicology samples, craving for cocaine, resistance to cocaine use, and mood symptoms between the pretreatment baseline and the last week of the clinical trial. Both groups showed significant reductions in self-reported frequency of cocaine use, resistance to craving, and mood symptoms. Study results are consistent with recent clinical and laboratory findings in primary cocaine users. Despite initially promising pilot studies, recent evidence does not support the efficacy of bromocriptine in reducing cocaine use or craving. 31 references, 2 tables, and 2 figures