title: Treatments for methamphetamine abuse: a literature review for the clinician.
abstract: Methamphetamine (METH) use and dependence is a serious public health concern with implications across multiple areas from societal impact to burden on psychiatric and medical resources. An estimated 8% of admissions to substance abuse treatment programs are related to stimulants with METH/amphetamine abuse. To date, effective pharmacotherapy options to enhance abstinence have not been identified. The objective of this article is to critically review the literature of METH treatment options. Preclinical research and human research with compounds not yet available commercially in the United States will not be included. A literature review was conducted for research on pharmacological treatments for METH use and addiction. Trial information on the use of sertraline, bupropion, mirtazapine, modafinil, dextroamphetamine, ondansetron, risperidone, aripiprazole, baclofen, and gabapentin was reviewed. Aripiprazole trials appeared in the reviewed literature more frequently than the other medications. Based on the findings of this review, no single medication demonstrated consistent efficacy and each trial contained a variety of methodological limitations.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Practice, Harding University College of Pharmacy, Searcy, AR 72149, USA. tbrackins@harding.edu
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Brackins
authors.forename: Nancy C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Brahm
authors.forename: Julie C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Kissack
mesh_terms: D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008694:Methamphetamine; D011634:Public Health; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine