The purposes of this study are as follows: 1. To assess the cardiovascular and subjective effects of cocaine during treatment with pramipexole and placebo. 2. To assess the reinforcing effects of cocaine, measured using choice procedures, during treatment with pramipexole and placebo.
In this protocol we propose to assess the impact of treatment with higher doses of the potent D2/3 agonist pramipexole, using the extended release preparation that has been shown to produce continuous DA receptor stimulation. Pramipexole is a non-ergot DA 3 receptor-preferring agonist. In contrast to pergolide, bromocriptine and cabergoline, it does not stimulate 5-HT2B receptors and therefore does not cause cardiac valvulopathy. It can therefore be safely used chronically at higher doses, whereas pergolide has been withdrawn from the market for causing cardiac valvulopathy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
10
Participants will receive pramipexole ER 0.375, .075, 1.5, 2.25, and 3mg/d in an ascending-dose pattern.
Participants will receive matching placebo pills. The placebo group is included to maintain the blind, rather than as a comparison group.
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Houston, Texas, United States
The effects of pramipexole and cocaine on cardiovascular measures
Before and after each cocaine infusion, physiologic responses will be closely monitored using repeated HR, BP, and ECG readings. To evaluate safety, a DSMB will meet annually and following any serious AE to examine data as well as any new published information on pramipexole relevant to the project. The number of AEs (including arrhythmias and ECG changes), changes in BP and HR, and changes in mood and psychiatric symptoms (using the BSI, BDI, POMS, and BPRS) will also be assessed throughout the study.
Time frame: 16 days
The effects of pramipexole and cocaine on subjective measures
The ability of pramipexole, as compared to placebo, to reduce cocaine-induced craving and to reduce reinforcing effects produced by cocaine will be measured by: 1. VAS, Adjective Scales, and MCQ; 2. Choices for cocaine vs. money in the self-administration assay.
Time frame: 16 days
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