Pharmacotherapy for marijuana dependence: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of divalproex sodium.
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| Abstract |
There is a noticeable lack of targeted treatment options for marijuana dependence, in particular pharmacologic approaches. This is the first study evaluating a targeted pharmacologic approach for marijuana dependence. The goals of the study were to determine if such patients would seek pharmacologic treatment, whether these patients could be retained in treatment using a design previously developed for cocaine-dependent patients, and especially whether divalproex sodium showed promise as a treatment agent for marijuana dependence. We found that marijuana-dependent patients will seek treatment, and such patients can be adequately maintained in a pharmacologic trial. Regardless of treatment group, patients reported a significant reduction in their frequency and amount of marijuana use as well as a reduction in irritability. Given the lack of proven effective treatments for marijuana dependence, pharmacotherapies should be sought. The design of a preliminary clinical trial should include a psychosocial/behavioral intervention emphasizing motivation and medication compliance and a placebo control group.
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| Authors | Frances Rudnick Levin, David McDowell, Suzette M Evans, Edward Nunes, Evaristo Akerele, Stephen Donovan, Suzanne K Vosburg |
| Journal | The American journal on addictions (Am J Addict) 2004 Jan-Feb Vol. 13 Issue 1 Pg. 21-32 ISSN: 1055-0496 [Print] England |
| PMID | 14766435 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.) |
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