title: A preliminary trial: double-blind comparison of nefazodone, bupropion-SR, and placebo in the treatment of cannabis dependence.
abstract: The present study investigated the efficacy of nefazodone and bupropion-sustained release for treating cannabis dependence. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, piggy back design was employed to assess if nefazodone and bupropion-sustained release increased the probability of abstinence from cannabis and reduced the severity of cannabis dependence and cannabis withdrawal symptoms during a 13-week outpatient treatment program. One-hundred and six participants (Mean = 32 years; females n = 25) were randomized to one of three medication conditions (nefazodone, bupropion-sustained release, or placebo) and participated in a weekly, individually based coping skills therapy program. Results indicated an increased probability of achieving abstinence over the course of treatment and a decrease in the severity of cannabis dependence and the withdrawal symptom of irritability. There were no significant effects demonstrated for nefazodone and bupropion-sustained release on cannabis use or cannabis withdrawal symptoms. The results indicate nefazodone and bupropion-sustained release may have limited efficacy in treating cannabis dependence.
authors.affiliation: Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Kenneth M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Carpenter
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McDowell
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Wendy Y
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Frances R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Levin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010879:Piperazines; D010919:Placebos; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014230:Triazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D010879:Piperazines; D010919:Placebos; D014230:Triazoles; D016642:Bupropion; C051752:nefazodone