title: Atomoxetine does not alter cocaine use in cocaine dependent individuals: double blind randomized trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cocaine abuse continues to be a significant public health problem associated with morbidity and mortality. To date, no pharmacotherapeutic approach has proven effective for treating cocaine use disorders. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that noradrenergic activity may play a role in mediating some effects of cocaine and may be a rational target for treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  This double blind, placebo-controlled randomized, parallel group, 12-week outpatient clinical trial enrolled cocaine dependent individuals seeking treatment to examine the potential efficacy of the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, atomoxetine (80 mg/day; p.o.; n = 25), compared to placebo (n = 25). Subjects were initially stratified on cocaine use (< 15 days or ≥ 15 days of the last 30), age and race using urn randomization. Attendance, medication adherence and study compliance were reinforced with contingency management, and weekly counseling was offered. An array of measures (vital signs, laboratory chemistries, cognitive and psychomotor tests, cocaine craving and urine samples for drug testing) was collected throughout the study and at follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Survival analysis revealed no differences in study retention between the two groups, with approximately 56% of subjects completing the 12-week study (Cox analysis χ(2) = .72; p = .40; Hazard Ratio 1.48 [95% CI 0.62-3.39]). GEE analysis of the proportion of urine samples positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, revealed no differences between the atomoxetine and placebo groups (χ(2) = 0.2, p = .66; OR = 0.89 [95% CI 0.41-1.74]). Atomoxetine was generally well tolerated in this population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data provide no support for the utility of atomoxetine in the treatment of cocaine dependence.
authors.affiliation: Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 515 Oldham Court, Lexington, KY 40502, United States. sharon.walsh@uky.edu
authors.forename: Sharon L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Lisa S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Middleton
authors.forename: Conrad J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Nuzzo
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Craig R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Rush
authors.forename: Michelle R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Lofwall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011437:Propylamines; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride