Adverse outcomes in a controlled trial of pergolide for cocaine dependence.
We conducted a double-blind, multiple dose comparison study of pergolide versus placebo for the treatment of cocaine dependence. In the present study, we examined patients who met criteria for cocaine dependence without comorbid alcohol dependence (N = 255). Study completion rates favored placebo (48.9%) over the low dose (33.3%) and high dose (21.5%) pergolide subjects (chi2(2) = 14.17, p < or = 0.001). Treatment effectiveness scores (TES) were significantly higher for the placebo group (31.7) than the low dose (25.2) and high dose (14.2) pergolide groups (F2,252 = 6.21, p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in side effect profiles after first dose of pergolide or placebo, or at study termination. Results of this study suggest that pergolide was not efficacious in the treatment of cocaine dependence due to reduced study participation. Caution regarding the outpatient use of pergolide in similar populations is warranted.
Malcolm
R
R
Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
Herron
J
J
Sutherland
S E
SE
Brady
K T
KT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015897:Comorbidity; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010479:Pergolide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D017211:Treatment Failure
D016578:Crack Cocaine; D010479:Pergolide