Use of stimulants to treat cocaine and methamphetamine abuse.
The concept of using stimulants to treat cocaine and methamphetamine dependence is largely based on the "replacement" therapy model that has shown efficacy for treating nicotine and opiate dependence. Although results have been mixed, some evidence supports using stimulant medication to reduce cocaine use. There are not enough data to date to determine the efficacy of stimulants for methamphetamine dependence. Drawbacks of stimulants as treatments include the potential for abuse of the treatment, which necessitates careful screening and monitoring of patients. Possible reasons for efficacy of stimulants include enhancement of monoamine function dysregulated by chronic cocaine or methamphetamine use. Newer medications that enhance dopamine function but lack the abuse potential of older stimulants are being studied. It is hoped that these medications will provide safe, effective treatment for cocaine and methamphetamine dependence, but more research on this topic is needed.
Moeller
F Gerard
FG
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1300 Moursund, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Frederick.g.moeller@uth.tmc.edu
Schmitz
Joy M
JM
Herin
David
D
Kjome
Kimberly L
KL
D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000818:Animals; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D008694:Methamphetamine; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine