title: Pharmacotherapy for marijuana dependence: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of divalproex sodium.
abstract: There is a noticeable lack of targeted treatment options for marijuana dependence, in particular pharmacologic approaches. This is the first study evaluating a targeted pharmacologic approach for marijuana dependence. The goals of the study were to determine if such patients would seek pharmacologic treatment, whether these patients could be retained in treatment using a design previously developed for cocaine-dependent patients, and especially whether divalproex sodium showed promise as a treatment agent for marijuana dependence. We found that marijuana-dependent patients will seek treatment, and such patients can be adequately maintained in a pharmacologic trial. Regardless of treatment group, patients reported a significant reduction in their frequency and amount of marijuana use as well as a reduction in irritability. Given the lack of proven effective treatments for marijuana dependence, pharmacotherapies should be sought. The design of a preliminary clinical trial should include a psychosocial/behavioral intervention emphasizing motivation and medication compliance and a placebo control group.
authors.affiliation: Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, USA. frl2@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Frances Rudnick
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McDowell
authors.forename: Suzette M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nunes
authors.forename: Evaristo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Akerele
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Donovan
authors.forename: Suzanne K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Vosburg
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D018682:GABA Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007508:Irritable Mood; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010919:Placebos; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018682:GABA Agents; D010919:Placebos; D014635:Valproic Acid