Effectiveness of Tiagabine for Cocaine Dependence in Methadone-Maintained Individuals - 1

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)80 enrolled

Overview

Many opioid-dependent individuals are also dependent on cocaine. Methadone is a widely used and effective method for treating opioid dependence. However, it is not effective in treating other drugs of abuse. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of another drug, tiagabine, for treating cocaine dependence in opioid-dependent individuals already receiving methadone treatment.

For over 30 years, methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction. Since methadone is effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms, it is used as a method of detoxification for opiate addicts. However, methadone is not effective in treating other drugs of abuse, such as cocaine. Tiagabine is a drug that enhances levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical found in the brain and spinal cord. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of tiagabine in modifying cocaine-using behavior and reducing opiate withdrawal symptoms among newly admitted methadone-treated patients. This 16-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will involve 120 participants who are both cocaine- and opioid- dependent. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either tiagabine or placebo, while concurrently receiving methadone treatment. Baseline cocaine use will be determined during the first two weeks of treatment. The study will include three overlapping phases. The first phase will include a one-week fixed methadone induction (Week 1), as well as flexible methadone stabilization (Weeks 2-13). Phase two will consist of a 12-week treatment period (Weeks 2-13). This will consist of tiagabine induction and stabilization. Phase three will include a 4-week taper, detoxification, or transfer period (Weeks 14-17). After completion of treatment, a 3-month follow-up visit will occur.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Interventions

TiagabineDRUG

The tiagabine group will start receiving tiagabine 4mg in the evening of the first day on week 2. The dose will be titrated every third day, until the target dose of 32mg/day is achieved by week 5. The study medication must be titrated to 32 mg/day or to the subject's maximum tolerated dose (MTD).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Currently not enrolled in methadone-maintenance treatment * Demonstration of current opioid dependence as determined by the study physician, a self-reported history of opioid dependence for one year, and a positive urine test for opiates * Current cocaine abuser with self-reported use of cocaine at least 1 time each week within the month prior to study entry, positive urine screen for cocaine, and score greater than 3 on the Severity Dependence Scale * Women of childbearing age are eligible under the following conditions: negative pregnancy test at initial screening, adequate contraceptive use throughout the study, monthly pregnancy tests, and acknowledgement of fetal toxicity risks due to medication Exclusion Criteria: * Current diagnosis of other drug or alcohol dependence (other than opiates, cocaine, or tobacco) * Serious medical illness (e.g., major heart, kidney, endocrine, or liver disease, or serious neurological disorders, including history of seizures) * Current diagnosis of a serious psychiatric illness or history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar type I disorder * Suicidal or homicidal thoughts * Currently taking psychotropic medications * Women who are pregnant, nursing, refuse to use a reliable form of contraception, or refuse monthly pregnancy testing * Greater than 3 times the normal level in liver screening function test (SGOT or SGPT)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Thrice weekly Urine toxicology

Time frame: 13 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Self reports of cocaine and opioid use.

Time frame: 13 weeks

Opioid withdrawal symptoms

Time frame: 13 weeks

Adverse events

Time frame: 13 weeks

cocaine craving

Time frame: 13 weeks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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