Lack of neurotoxic effect of diethylpropion in crack-cocaine abusers.
Dopamine agonists have been used with some success in treating cocaine addiction. However, both cocaine and psychostimulants have been reported to produce neurotoxic effects. We evaluated the effect of the stimulant diethylpropion on cognitive performance in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-six abstinent crack-cocaine users received either placebo, 25-mg, 50-mg, or 75-mg doses of diethylpropion. Patients were tested at baseline and again after 9-14 days of medication. There were no differences between placebo and medication groups on any test, indicating that, within the time frame studied, diethylpropion does not produce neurotoxic effects that can be detected with standardized neuropsychological tests.
Ollo
C
C
NIDA Research Unit/Psychiatry Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA.
Alim
T N
TN
Rosse
R B
RB
Lindquist
T
T
Green
T
T
Gillis
T
T
Ricci
J
J
Khan
M
M
Deutsch
S I
SI
D000328:Adult; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D004053:Diethylpropion / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects
D016578:Crack Cocaine; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D004053:Diethylpropion