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Pharmacogenetics of Disulfiram for Cocaine
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Study NCT00149630   Information provided by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
First Received: September 6, 2005   Last Updated: March 3, 2009   History of Changes
This Tabular View shows the required WHO registration data elements as marked by

September 6, 2005
March 3, 2009
January 2005
Self reports of cocaine and other drug use and cravings; measured throughout the study [ Time Frame: measured throughout the study ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
Urine toxicology for cocaine
Complete list of historical versions of study NCT00149630 on ClinicalTrials.gov Archive Site
 
 
 
Pharmacogenetics of Disulfiram for Cocaine
Effectiveness of Disulfiram for Treating Cocaine Dependence in Individuals With Different Dopamine Beta Hydroxylase (DBH) Genes

Previous research has shown that disulfiram, a medication sometimes used for treating alcoholism, discourages cocaine use among cocaine addicts who are undergoing methadone treatment. By blocking the enzyme dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH), disulfiram increases levels of dopamine and produces an unpleasant sense of hyperstimulation and discomfort in cocaine users. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of disulfiram in preventing drug relapse among cocaine and opiate addicts with varying inherited levels of DBH.

Dopamine, a type of neurotransmitter, is the brain's "feel good" chemical. The amount of dopamine in the body may be an important factor in how cocaine addicts respond to treatment. Disulfiram, like cocaine, enhances dopamine activity. Upon taking disulfiram, subsequent intake of cocaine may elevate dopamine to excessive levels that produce extreme discomfort. DBH is an enzyme that breaks down dopamine. A particular variation in the DBH gene can affect the amount of dopamine that is released in the body. Therefore, cocaine addicts with varying DBH genes may respond differently to treatment.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of disulfiram in preventing relapse among methadone-maintained individuals addicted to both cocaine and opioids who may have different DBH genes.

This 17-week study will begin with a 2-week methadone stabilization period. Participants will then be randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of either 250 mg of disulfiram or placebo for 12 weeks, while concurrently receiving methadone treatment. All participants will stop receiving study medication at Week 14, at which point they will undergo a 4-week methadone detoxification period. Participants will report cocaine and other drug use, as well as any cocaine cravings that they experience. Cocaine levels will be monitored throughout the study with urine tests. The DBH gene of each participant will be examined to determine its specific make-up and any particular variations.

Phase II
Interventional
Treatment, Randomized, Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Placebo Control, Parallel Assignment, Efficacy Study
  • Cocaine Dependence
  • Opioid Dependency
  • Drug: Disulfiram
  • Drug: Placebo
  • Experimental: Disulfiram
  • Placebo Comparator: Placebo
 

*   Includes publications given by the data provider as well as publications identified by National Clinical Trials Identifier (NCT ID) in Medline.
 
Recruiting
200
December 2009
December 2009   (final data collection date for primary outcome measure)

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Meets DSM-IV diagnosis criteria for opioid dependence, as determined by documentation of prior treatment for addiction; signs of withdrawal; self-reported history of dependence for at least 1 year; and a positive urine test for opioids
  • Meets DSM-IV diagnosis criteria for cocaine dependence, as determined by self-reported use of cocaine at least once weekly for at least 1 month prior to study entry; a positive urine test for cocaine; and a score greater than 3 on the Severity Dependence Scale
  • If female, willing to use contraception throughout the study

Exclusion criteria:

  • Meets DSM-IV diagnosis criteria for dependence on any drugs other than opiates, cocaine, or tobacco
  • Current major psychiatric illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic disorder
  • Current suicidal or homicidal ideation
  • Current use of a prescribed psychotropic medication that cannot be discontinued
  • History of or current major medical illness, including major heart, kidney, endocrine, or liver disorder; abnormal liver function (SGOT or SGPT levels three times greater than normal); or high blood pressure
  • High risk factor for heart disease, seizure disorders, or any illness for which disulfiram or methadone treatment would be inadvisable
  • Currently taking metronidazole or clotrimazole
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
Both
18 Years to 65 Years
No
Contact: Tiffany L. Polk, MBA/HCM 832-689-1769 tiffanyp@bcm.edu
Contact: Grace Wu, MD 713-791-1414 ext 6384 ggwu@bcm.edu
United States
 
 
NCT00149630
Thomas Kosten, MD, Baylor College of Medicine
P50-DA18197-02, DPMC
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
  • Yale University
  • University of Arkansas
  • University of Texas
Principal Investigator: Thomas R. Kosten, MD Baylor College of Medicine
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
March 2009

 †    Required WHO trial registration data element.
††   WHO trial registration data element that is required only if it exists.