A definable and significant withdrawal syndrome occurs upon cessation of chronic, heavy marijuana use. Bupropion (Zyban) is a medication currently used to treat withdrawal symptoms associated with tobacco use. The purpose of this study is to determine if bupropion will help individuals stop using marijuana.
A definable and significant withdrawal syndrome occurs upon cessation of chronic, heavy marijuana use. This syndrome includes alterations in mood, sleep disturbances, and cognitive performance. Many of nicotine's withdrawal symptoms are similar to those observed with marijuana withdrawal. Bupropion has been shown to be effective in treating nicotine addiction.The purpose of this study is to determine if bupropion is effective in treating marijuana dependent individuals. Specifically, this study will determine if bupropion alleviates withdrawal symptoms associated with marijuana abuse. Participants in this 21-day, double-blind study will be randomly assigned to receive either bupropion or placebo. Treatment with bupropion will occur for one week before stopping marijuana use (quit day). Bupropion will be administered at 150 mg per day for 3 days, followed by 300 mg per day for the remainder of the study. Quit day will occur on Day 8, at which time participants will be required to remain abstinent from marijuana for the duration of the study. Participants will provide daily urine specimens. Changes in vigilance, memory, reaction time, and psychomotor performance as well as withdrawal symptoms will be evaluated.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
30
150 mg, twice a day
McLean Hospital, Dept. of Psychiatry
Belmont, Massachusetts, United States
Withdrawal severity
Time frame: on a daily basis for 14 days
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