title: Divalproex loading in the treatment of cocaine dependence.
abstract: The current pilot project was designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a loading dose of divalproex (DVPX) in subjects with cocaine dependence. Seventeen cocaine-dependent subjects were enrolled in an eight-week, open-label trial of 20 mg/kg/day DVPX. Subjects were seen weekly and urine drug screens were obtained at each visit. Over the eight-week trial, craving intensity and frequency as well as reported time using cocaine decreased significantly. Retention in the current study was 79% at week four and 50% at week eight. The medication and dosing strategy was well tolerated. This pilot study indicates that DVPX loading is well tolerated and may be efficacious in the treatment of cocaine dependence. A placebo-controlled trial would be of interest.
authors.affiliation: Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Substance Abuse Treatment Center, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Myrick
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: K T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Brady
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Malcom
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Measom
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D018682:GABA Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D018682:GABA Agents; D014635:Valproic Acid