Buspirone treatment of cannabis dependence: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of buspirone, a partial 5-HT1A agonist, for treatment of cannabis dependence.

METHODS:

One hundred seventy-five cannabis-dependent adults were randomized to receive either up to 60mg/day of buspirone (n=88) or placebo (n=87) for 12 weeks combined with a brief motivational enhancement therapy intervention and contingency management to encourage study retention. Cannabis use outcomes were assessed via weekly urine cannabinoid tests.

RESULTS:

Participants in both groups reported reduced cannabis craving over the course of the study; however, buspirone provided no advantage over placebo in reducing cannabis use. Significant gender by treatment interactions were observed, with women randomized to buspirone having fewer negative urine cannabinoid tests than women randomized to placebo (p=0.007), and men randomized to buspirone having significantly lower creatinine adjusted cannabinoid levels as compared to those randomized to placebo (p=0.023). An evaluation of serotonin allelic variations did not find an association with buspirone treatment response.

CONCLUSIONS:

Buspirone was not more efficacious than placebo in reducing cannabis use. Important gender differences were noted, with women having worse cannabis use outcomes with buspirone treatment. Considerations for future medication trials in this challenging population are discussed.

• Authors: Aimee L McRae-Clark, Nathaniel L Baker, Kevin M Gray, Therese K Killeen, Amanda M Wagner, Kathleen T Brady, C Lindsay DeVane, Jessica Norton
• Journal: Drug and alcohol dependence (Drug Alcohol Depend) Vol. 156 Pg. 29-37 (Nov 01 2015) ISSN: 1879-0046 [Electronic] Ireland
• PMID: 26386827 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Cannabinoids
• Serotonin Receptor Agonists
• Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A
• Buspirone

Topics

• Adult
• Alleles
• Buspirone (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Cannabinoids (blood)
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Marijuana Abuse (drug therapy, psychology)
• Motivation
• Patient Compliance
• Psychotherapy
• Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A (genetics)
• Serotonin Receptor Agonists (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Sex Characteristics
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult