An open-label trial of N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of cocaine dependence: A pilot study
- 作者：Pascale N. Mardikian ; Steven D. LaRowe ; Sarra Hedden ; Peter W. Kalivas ; Robert J. Malcolm
- 关键词：Cocaine dependence ; N-acetylcysteine ; Open-label trial ; Pilot study
- 刊名：Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry
- 出版年：2007
- 期刊代码：222_02785846
- 类别：med
- 出版时间：30 March 2007
- 卷：31
- 期：2
- 页码：389-394
- 文件大小：140 K
摘要
Recent preclinical studies implicate N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a cysteine prodrug, as a potential medication for preventing relapse to cocaine use; however, little is known about the safety and tolerability of NAC in cocaine-dependent subjects in an outpatient setting. This pilot study examines the safety and tolerability of 3 doses of NAC for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Twenty three treatment-seeking cocaine-dependent patients participated in a 4-week medication trial and received NAC at doses of 1200 mg/day, 2400 mg/day or 3600 mg/day. Results suggested that the three doses were well tolerated. Overall, the retention rates appeared to favor higher doses of NAC (2400 mg/day and 3600 mg/day). The majority of subjects who completed the study (n = 16) either terminated use of cocaine completely or significantly reduced their use of cocaine during treatment. Overall the findings suggest that it is feasible to treat cocaine-dependent treatment seekers with N-acetylcysteine on an outpatient basis.