title: Sustained-release methylphenidate in methamphetamine dependence treatment: a double-blind and placebo-controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of sustained-release methylphenidate (MPH-SR) in treatment of methamphetamine dependence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-six individuals who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for methamphetamine dependence participated in this 10-week trial. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups and received 18 to 54 mg/day sustained-released methylphenidate or placebo for 10 weeks. Craving was evaluated by a visual analogue craving scale every week. Urinary screening test for methamphetamine was carried out each week. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was used to monitor participant depressive symptoms at baseline and bi-weekly during the treatment period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of the trial, the MPH-SR group was less methamphetamine positive compared to the placebo group and the difference was significant (p = 0.03). By the end of the study, MPH-SR group showed significantly less craving scores compared to the placebo group [MD (95% CI) = -10.28(0.88-19.18), t(54) = 2.19, p = 0.03]. There was greater improvement in the depressive symptoms scores in the intervention group compared to the placebo group [MD (95% CI) =2.03(0.31-3.75), t (54) =2.37, p = 0.02].
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sustained-released methylphenidate was safe and well tolerated among active methamphetamine users and significantly reduced methamphetamine use, craving and depressive symptoms.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  IRCT201202281556N38.
authors.affiliation: Department of psychiatry, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran. frrezaei@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Farzin
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rezaei
authors.affiliation: Department of psychiatry, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran. mery6555@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Emami
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. shakiba.zahed@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Shakiba
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zahed
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. mj.morabbi@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Mohammad-Javad
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Morabbi
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. dr.farahzadi@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Mohammadhadi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farahzadi
authors.affiliation: Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, South Kargar Street, Tehran, 13337, Iran. s.akhond@neda.net.
authors.forename: Shahin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akhondzadeh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology / Q000652:urine; D066249:Craving / Q000187:drug effects*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000652:urine*; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D008774:Methylphenidate; D008694:Methamphetamine