Bupropion in the Treatment of Methamphetamine Dependence

Not Applicable

Completed

Brief Summary: Methamphetamine dependence is a significant drug use disorder in the Midwest. While a number of psychosocial and pharmacological treatments have been studied, no specific treatments for methamphetamine have been identified. This study is a collaborative pre-clinical and clinical partnership examining bupropion in the treatment of methamphetamine dependence.

Detailed Description: Nearly 40% of adults seeking substance use disorders (SUD) treatment in Nebraska report methamphetamine is their drug of choice. In preliminary studies examining bupropion in methamphetamine use, it was well tolerated, reduced craving for methamphetamine and reduced methamphetamine related euphoria. Investigators at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have initiated studies examining bupropion in animals and humans as a potential intervention in addictive disorders. Pre-clinical studies in the Co-Investigator's laboratory were the first to demonstrate the potential utility of bupropion as a pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine use disorders (MUD) while the Principal Investigator studied bupropion as a smoking cessation aid in alcoholics.

The primary goal of this study is to establish an interdisciplinary and translational collaboration to test bupropion in persons in treatment for methamphetamine dependence and to inform pre-clinical studies so as to enhance their practical applicability to clinical settings. The pilot clinical study will examine the treatment effect and safety of a 12 week course of bupropion in persons with methamphetamine use disorder. Concurrently, we will examine the efficacy of bupropion on methamphetamine self-administration in animal models which better simulates clinical approaches.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

patient in the substance use disorder program at either the Omaha VA Medical Center or at Catholic Charities Campus for Hope
diagnosis of methamphetamine dependence as well as presence or history of psychosis based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria (not to include patients in full sustained remission)
provide names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least two collateral informants who can provide information on their methamphetamine and other drug use during follow-up
must sign an informed consent as approved by the UNMC Internal Review Board (IRB) and Catholic Charities Research Committee.

Exclusion Criteria

a history of severe injury to their brain
advanced cardiac, pulmonary, renal or liver disease
predisposition to seizures
history of bulimia or anorexia nervosa
current diagnosis of major depressive disorder
diagnosis or past history of panic disorders, schizophrenia, or bipolar affective disorder
family history or childhood history of epilepsy or seizures
history of strokes, brain tumors, or bleeding in the brain.
used any psychoactive drug within one week of study entry (two weeks for MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors or protriptyline, four weeks for fluoxetine)
currently using any theophylline product (e.g. Theodur)
used an investigational drug in any study within the past four weeks
used a therapeutic course of bupropion SR for > 1 week at any time in the past 12 months or have been evaluated in previous studies examining bupropion SR at anytime
If female, the participant must not be pregnant or breast feeding

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Receiving Bupropion SR	bupropion SR	receiving bupropion SR 12 week course of bupropion SR 150 mg, BID (twice a day)

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Estimate the Treatment Effect of Bupropion for Methamphetamine (Meth) Dependence.	Assessed Methamphetamine use at weeks 12 and 24, week 24 reported	The primary outcome measure was number of days methamphetamine use/week at weeks 12 and week 24.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method

Locations (2): Catholic Charities Campus for Hope
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Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Omaha
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Omaha, Nebraska, United States