Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of methylphenidate in the treatment of adult ADHD patients with comorbid cocaine dependence.
In this 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial of methylphenidate (MTP) versus placebo in 48 cocaine-dependent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) adults, the authors sought to determine whether MTP would be safe, control ADHD symptoms, and affect cocaine use. Efficacy indexes revealed significantly greater ADHD symptom relief in the MTP group. There were no group differences in self-reported cocaine use, urinalysis results, or cocaine craving. Because of the relatively small sample size, the results are preliminary. However, we found that MTP improved subjective reports of ADHD symptoms and did not worsen cocaine use while participants were in treatment.
Schubiner
Howard
H
Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, USA. hschubiner@mindspring.com
Saules
Karen K
KK
Arfken
Cynthia L
CL
Johanson
Chris-Ellyn
CE
Schuster
Charles R
CR
Lockhart
Nancy
N
Edwards
Ann
A
Donlin
Judy
J
Pihlgren
Eric
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010389:Pemoline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D010389:Pemoline