Stress is associated with drug craving and relapse in substance-dependent individuals. Hormones released from the brain may mediate the behavioral response to stress. For example, several studies have indicated that oxytocin reduces stress in laboratory stress paradigms. Specifically, it appears that oxytocin promotes trust, social interaction, and calmness; yet, little is known about the potential affects of oxytocin in cocaine-dependent individuals. Given these properties of oxytocin, it may have a therapeutic role in ameliorating the negative affect commonly observed prior to relapse in cocaine-dependent individuals, as well as the anxiety associated with withdrawal. This pilot protocol will provide important preliminary data on the effect of oxytocin on stress in cocaine-dependent individuals.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
33
Subjects will be administered 40 IUs of oxytocin nasal spray or matching placebo at 1:15pm. This dose and timing of administration was selected based on previous studies that have used similar doses of oxytocin (Ditzen, et al., 2009; Heinrichs, et al., 2003). Intranasal oxytocin and matching placebo will be compounded by Pitt Street Pharmacy Custom Compounding (Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina). Randomization will be done by a licensed pharmacist who will keep a record of the blind and be available should unblinding be necessary.
Subjects will be administered 40 IUs of oxytocin nasal spray or matching placebo at 1:15pm. This dose and timing of administration was selected based on previous studies that have used similar doses of oxytocin (Ditzen, et al., 2009; Heinrichs, et al., 2003). Intranasal oxytocin and matching placebo will be compounded by Pitt Street Pharmacy Custom Compounding (Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina). Randomization will be done by a licensed pharmacist who will keep a record of the blind and be available should unblinding be necessary.
Clinical Neurosciences Division-MUSC
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Salivary Cortisol Levels
salivary cortisol
Time frame: 0 minutes post 15 minute stress task
Likert Scale Rating of Subjective Stress
Subjects will rate subjective stress on 10-point Likert scale with 0 being 'not at all' and 10 being 'extremely'
Time frame: 0 minutes post 15 minute stress task
Likert Scale Rating of Subjective Craving
Subjects will rate craving on 10-point Likert scale before and after drug administration and stress task with 0 being 'not at all' and 10 being 'extremely'
Time frame: 0 mintues post 15 minute stress task
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.