Atomoxetine does not alter cocaine use in cocaine dependent individuals: A double blind randomized trial

• Published in: Drug and alcohol dependence Vol. 130; no. 1; pp. 150 - 157
• Main Authors: Walsh, Sharon L, Middleton, Lisa S, Wong, Conrad J, Nuzzo, Paul A, Campbell, Charles L, Rush, Craig R, Lofwall, Michelle R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.06.2013
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Atomoxetine; Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; Clinical trial; Cocaine; Cocaine-Related Disorders - diagnosis; Cocaine-Related Disorders - drug therapy; Cocaine-Related Disorders - psychology; Dependence; Double-Blind Method; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Norepinephrine; Propylamines - therapeutic use; Psychiatry; Treatment; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Clinical trial; Cocaine; Norepinephrine; Treatment; Atomoxetine; Dependence
• ISSN: 0376-8716; 1879-0046
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.10.024

Abstract Background Cocaine abuse continues to be a significant public health problem associated with morbidity and mortality. To date, no pharmacotherapeutic approach has proven effective for treating cocaine use disorders. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that noradrenergic activity may play a role in mediating some effects of cocaine and may be a rational target for treatment. Methods This double blind, placebo-controlled randomized, parallel group, 12-week outpatient clinical trial enrolled cocaine dependent individuals seeking treatment to examine the potential efficacy of the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, atomoxetine (80 mg/day; p.o.; n = 25), compared to placebo ( n = 25). Subjects were initially stratified on cocaine use (<15 days or ≥15 days of the last 30), age and race using urn randomization. Attendance, medication adherence and study compliance were reinforced with contingency management, and weekly counseling was offered. An array of measures (vital signs, laboratory chemistries, cognitive and psychomotor tests, cocaine craving and urine samples for drug testing) was collected throughout the study and at follow-up. Results Survival analysis revealed no differences in study retention between the two groups, with approximately 56% of subjects completing the 12-week study (Cox analysis χ2 = .72; p = .40; Hazard Ratio 1.48 [95% CI 0.62–3.39]). GEE analysis of the proportion of urine samples positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, revealed no differences between the atomoxetine and placebo groups ( χ2 = 0.2, p = .66; OR = 0.89 [95% CI 0.41–1.74]). Atomoxetine was generally well tolerated in this population. Conclusions These data provide no support for the utility of atomoxetine in the treatment of cocaine dependence.