Effectiveness of Tiagabine for Cocaine Dependence in Methadone-Maintained Individuals - 1

Cocaine-Related Disorders Clinical Trial

Official title:

Tiagabine for the Treatment of Cocaine Dependence in Methadone-Maintained Individuals

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT00129298
• Other study ID #: NIDA-17782-1
• Secondary ID: R01-17782-1DPMC
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• First received: August 4, 2005
• Last updated: January 11, 2017
• Start date: December 2004
• Est. completion date: April 2007

Study information

• Verified date: December 2007
• Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Health authority: United States: Federal Government
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

Many opioid-dependent individuals are also dependent on cocaine. Methadone is a widely used and effective method for treating opioid dependence. However, it is not effective in treating other drugs of abuse. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of another drug, tiagabine, for treating cocaine dependence in opioid-dependent individuals already receiving methadone treatment.

Description:

For over 30 years, methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction. Since methadone is effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms, it is used as a method of detoxification for opiate addicts. However, methadone is not effective in treating other drugs of abuse, such as cocaine. Tiagabine is a drug that enhances levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical found in the brain and spinal cord. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of tiagabine in modifying cocaine-using behavior and reducing opiate withdrawal symptoms among newly admitted methadone-treated patients.

This 16-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will involve 120 participants who are both cocaine- and opioid- dependent. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either tiagabine or placebo, while concurrently receiving methadone treatment. Baseline cocaine use will be determined during the first two weeks of treatment. The study will include three overlapping phases. The first phase will include a one-week fixed methadone induction (Week 1), as well as flexible methadone stabilization (Weeks 2-13). Phase two will consist of a 12-week treatment period (Weeks 2-13). This will consist of tiagabine induction and stabilization. Phase three will include a 4-week taper, detoxification, or transfer period (Weeks 14-17). After completion of treatment, a 3-month follow-up visit will occur.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 80
• Est. completion date: April 2007
• Accepts healthy volunteers: No
• Gender: All
• Age group: 18 Years to 65 Years

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Currently not enrolled in methadone-maintenance treatment

• Demonstration of current opioid dependence as determined by the study physician, a self-reported history of opioid dependence for one year, and a positive urine test for opiates

• Current cocaine abuser with self-reported use of cocaine at least 1 time each week within the month prior to study entry, positive urine screen for cocaine, and score greater than 3 on the Severity Dependence Scale

• Women of childbearing age are eligible under the following conditions: negative pregnancy test at initial screening, adequate contraceptive use throughout the study, monthly pregnancy tests, and acknowledgement of fetal toxicity risks due to medication

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current diagnosis of other drug or alcohol dependence (other than opiates, cocaine, or tobacco)

• Serious medical illness (e.g., major heart, kidney, endocrine, or liver disease, or serious neurological disorders, including history of seizures)

• Current diagnosis of a serious psychiatric illness or history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar type I disorder

• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts

• Currently taking psychotropic medications

• Women who are pregnant, nursing, refuse to use a reliable form of contraception, or refuse monthly pregnancy testing

• Greater than 3 times the normal level in liver screening function test (SGOT or SGPT)

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Cocaine-Related Disorders
• Opiate Dependence
• Opioid-Related Disorders

Intervention

Drug:
• Tiagabine
The tiagabine group will start receiving tiagabine 4mg in the evening of the first day on week 2. The dose will be titrated every third day, until the target dose of 32mg/day is achieved by week 5. The study medication must be titrated to 32 mg/day or to the subject's maximum tolerated dose (MTD).

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
n/a

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Thrice weekly Urine toxicology		13 weeks	No
Secondary	Self reports of cocaine and opioid use.		13 weeks	No
Secondary	Opioid withdrawal symptoms		13 weeks	No
Secondary	Adverse events		13 weeks	Yes
Secondary	cocaine craving		13 weeks	No