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Methylphenidate Treatment for Cocaine Abuse and ADHD - 1

Phase 1
Completed
Conditions
Cocaine-Related Disorders
Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity
Interventions
Other: placebo
Registration Number
NCT00136734
Lead Sponsor
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Brief Summary

Many cocaine dependent individuals are also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is currently approved to treat individuals diagnosed with ADHD. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of methylphenidate in treating ADHD symptoms in cocaine dependent individuals.

Detailed Description

Methylphenidate (MPH) is commonly used to treat individuals diagnosed with ADHD. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of MPH in treating adult cocaine dependent individuals who are also diagnosed with ADHD.

Participants in this 14-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will be randomly assigned to receive either sustained-release MPH or placebo. All participants will receive individual cognitive behavioral therapy. The trial will last 14 weeks. It will include a 1-week placebo lead-in phase and a 2-week dose titration phase, followed by 11 weeks on a stable dose of MPH. During the titration phase, MPH will be given twice a day, starting at a dose of 10 mg/day. The dose will increase by 10 mg each day, until a final stable dose of 40 mg/day is reached. At this time, sustained-release MPH will be given as two 20 mg doses (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). Depending on a participant's tolerance of MPH, the dose will be increased to a maximum of 60 mg/day (40 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the afternoon). Participants who are unable to tolerate a dose of at least 40 mg/day of MPH will be discontinued from the study. Assessments of ADHD symptoms will be completed at weekly study visits. In addition, drug use assessments will also be completed and will include self-reports and urine toxicology tests.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
124
Inclusion Criteria
  • Meets DSM-IV criteria for cocaine dependence
  • Meets DSM-IV criteria for persistent adult Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Exclusion Criteria
  • Meets DSM-IV criteria for current psychiatric disorders (other than ADHD or substance abuse) that requires a psychiatric intervention
  • Physiologically dependent on sedatives or alcohol, to the extent that medical attention is required during periods of abstinence or significant reduction in the amount of use
  • Exhibits suicidal or homicidal behavior within the two years prior to enrollment
  • Currently taking prescription psychotropic medication
  • Unstable medical condition (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes) that would make participation in the study hazardous
  • Known sensitivity to methylphenidate
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
1Methylphenidatemethylphenidate
2placeboplacebo
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
self reported cocaine userecorded daily for the 14 weeks of the trial or the length of participation
ADHD symptom severity based on the ADHD rating scale scoremeasured weekly for the 14 weeks of the trial or length of study participation
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.

🇺🇸

New York, New York, United States

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