Amlodipine treatment of cocaine dependence.
Preclinical studies indicate that dihydropyridine-type calcium channel antagonists modulate dopamine neurotransmitter function and can reduce cocaine-reinforced behaviors. Amlodipine, a long-acting dihydropyridine-type calcium channel antagonist related to isradipine and nifedipine, was administered in open label fashion for 12 weeks to 26 cocaine-dependent patients. In subjects expressing cocaine craving, craving significantly declined during the course of the 12 weeks. Five individuals reported flushing, headache, fatigue, nocturia, nausea, and lightheadedness. No conclusions regarding efficacy can be made due to the small number of subjects and the open-label design.
Malcolm
R
R
Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
Brady
K T
KT
Moore
J
J
Kajdasz
D
D
D000328:Adult; D017311:Amlodipine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D017311:Amlodipine