title: An open-label trial of N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of cocaine dependence: a pilot study.
abstract: Recent preclinical studies implicate N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a cysteine prodrug, as a potential medication for preventing relapse to cocaine use; however, little is known about the safety and tolerability of NAC in cocaine-dependent subjects in an outpatient setting. This pilot study examines the safety and tolerability of 3 doses of NAC for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Twenty three treatment-seeking cocaine-dependent patients participated in a 4-week medication trial and received NAC at doses of 1200 mg/day, 2400 mg/day or 3600 mg/day. Results suggested that the three doses were well tolerated. Overall, the retention rates appeared to favor higher doses of NAC (2400 mg/day and 3600 mg/day). The majority of subjects who completed the study (n=16) either terminated use of cocaine completely or significantly reduced their use of cocaine during treatment. Overall the findings suggest that it is feasible to treat cocaine-dependent treatment seekers with N-acetylcysteine on an outpatient basis.
authors.affiliation: Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. mardikip@musc.edu
authors.forename: Pascale N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Mardikian
authors.forename: Steven D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: LaRowe
authors.forename: Sarra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hedden
authors.forename: Peter W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Kalivas
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Malcolm
mesh_terms: D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D000111:Acetylcysteine