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Efficacy of Mirtazapine in Depressed Cocaine Dependent Subjects
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified by Boston University, March 2009
First Received: May 3, 2006   Last Updated: March 25, 2009   History of Changes
Sponsored by: Boston University
Information provided by: Boston University
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00322309
  Purpose

This research study is being done to to look at the safety of the medication Mirtazapine (Remeron) in people who have cocaine dependence and depression.

Hypotheses I. Cocaine usage will be less in the mirtazapine treatment group (MG) than in the control group (CG). II. A greater increase in Clinician Global Impression (CGI) score will be observed in the MG than in the CG. Secondary Hypotheses: I. A greater decrease in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) scores will be observed in the MG than in the CG. II. A greater decrease in HIV risk behaviors will be observed in the MG than in the CG. III. A greater improvement in sleep structure will be observed in the MG than in the CG. IV. The proportion of subjects experiencing severe adverse drug reactions that necessitate termination from the study by one of the study clinicians will not differ between the MG and CG. V. Retention will be greater in MG than in CG.


Condition Intervention Phase
Cocaine Dependence
Depression
Drug: Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Phase II

MedlinePlus related topics: Depression
Drug Information available for: Cocaine hydrochloride Mirtazapine
U.S. FDA Resources
Study Type: Interventional
Study Design: Treatment, Randomized, Double Blind (Subject, Investigator), Placebo Control, Parallel Assignment, Efficacy Study
Official Title: The Efficacy of Mirtazapine in Depressed Cocaine Dependent Subjects

Further study details as provided by Boston University:

Primary Outcome Measures:
  • Efficacy will be determined by the quantitative analysis of urines for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine during the full 12 weeks of treatment Quantitative urine results from the two groups (Mirtazapine and Control) will be compared. [ Time Frame: 12 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Secondary Outcome Measures:
  • The Clinical Global Impression will be administered at baseline and during each week of treatment to determine efficacy. [ Time Frame: 13 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Estimated Enrollment: 64
Study Start Date: September 2005
Estimated Study Completion Date: September 2010
Estimated Primary Completion Date: September 2009 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Arms Assigned Interventions
Mirtazapine: Experimental Drug: Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Days 1-4 15mg Days 5-9 30mg Days 10-78 45mg Days 79-81 30mg Days 82-84 15mg

Detailed Description:

Cocaine dependence is a significant public health problem associated with serious medical, psychiatric, social and economic consequences. It is generally accepted that the euphoria associated with cocaine use is a result of its action on reward pathways via antagonist properties at the dopamine transporter site; cocaine also inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. These actions are thought to underlie cocaine's potent reinforcing properties. With prolonged use, cocaine may deplete these neurotransmitters, affect postsynaptic receptor density, and elicit an overall dysregulation of these neurotransmitter systems. These longer term consequences may account for the post-cocaine depressive symptoms often claimed by cocaine users to contribute to relapse. Treatment for cocaine dependence at the present is primarily psychosocial/behavioral. Currently there is no pharmacological agent approved for treatment of cocaine dependence in conjunction with psychosocial interventions. Several drugs currently approved for other indications are presently under consideration for treatment of cocaine dependence based on their known mechanisms and sites of action. Current approaches include strategies to (1) block the effects of cocaine, (2) substitutes for cocaine, (3) reduce craving or enhance the addict's ability to manage his/her response to craving, and (4) treat underlying conditions (or consequences of cocaine use) that may predispose toward dependence.

  Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:   18 Years to 64 Years
Genders Eligible for Study:   Both
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:   Yes
Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) diagnosis of cocaine dependence.
  • HAM-D score of 12 or above and history of autonomous depression, defined as meeting DSM-IV criteria for major depression or dysthymic disorder during any lifetime period of abstinence of 30 days or longer.
  • At least one urine toxicology positive for cocaine BE over the consecutive two-week baseline screening period during which 6 urine samples have been obtained
  • Males and non-pregnant, non-nursing females, 18-64 years of age (inclusive).
  • Individuals able to give written informed consent and willing to comply with all study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Any Axis I diagnosis that, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, may interfere with the course of the trial.
  • Physiological dependence on alcohol or opiates requiring medical detoxification.
  • A medical or neurological illness that in the clinical judgment of the investigator would make study compliance difficult or contraindicate the use of mirtazapine.
  • Any clinically significant abnormal lab values or LFTs which are greater than 3 times the normal limit.
  • The need or intention to use concurrently with or within four weeks prior to study drug administration, any of the following medications: monoamine oxidase inhibitors and/or sibutramine. In addition, other medications such as alpha2-agonists and medications which affect the enzymes CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 (as inhibitors, substrates, or inducers), and serotonin modulators should be used with caution. The research physician will decide on this issue. A listing of these substances may be found in Appendix I.
  • Females of childbearing potential who do NOT agree to use a medically acceptable method of birth control (barrier, IUD, oral or depot contraceptive medication, or complete abstinence).
  • Positive pregnancy test.
  • Breastfeeding
  • Known drug allergy or sensitivity to mirtazapine.
  • Participation in an investigational drug or device study within 1 month of enrollment in the present study.
  • Enrollment in an opiate-substitution (i.e., methadone, LAAM) treatment program within 45 days of enrolling in the present study.
  • Individuals having taken LAAM, methadone or naltrexone within 14 days of enrollment in the present study.
  • Individuals who, in the clinical judgment of the Investigator, are actively and acutely suicidal.
  • Subjects, who in the opinion of the investigator, have a medical condition that may interfere with study assessments and/or put them at undue risk.
  • Subjects, who in the opinion of the investigator, will have difficulty complying with study procedures.
  Contacts and Locations
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00322309

Contacts
Contact: Maryam Afshar, MD 617-414-1990 maryam.afshar@bmc.org

Locations
United States, Massachusetts
Boston University Recruiting
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02118
Sub-Investigator: Sarid-Segal, MD            
Sponsors and Collaborators
Boston University
Investigators
Principal Investigator: Maryam Afshar, MD Boston University
  More Information

No publications provided

Responsible Party: Boston University ( Maryam Afshar, MD )
Study ID Numbers: H-22530
Study First Received: May 3, 2006
Last Updated: March 25, 2009
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00322309     History of Changes
Health Authority: United States: Institutional Review Board

Keywords provided by Boston University:
Cocaine
Substance Abuse

Study placed in the following topic categories:
Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
Neurotransmitter Agents
Adrenergic Agents
Psychotropic Drugs
Disorders of Environmental Origin
Anesthetics
Mirtazapine
Dopamine
Mental Disorders
Vasoconstrictor Agents
Substance-Related Disorders
Cocaine
Antidepressive Agents
Cocaine-Related Disorders
Depression
Central Nervous System Depressants
Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
Cardiovascular Agents
Depressive Disorder
Anesthetics, Local
Behavioral Symptoms
Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
Histamine
Histamine Antagonists
Histamine H1 Antagonists
Histamine phosphate
Adrenergic Antagonists
Dopamine Agents
Peripheral Nervous System Agents

Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
Neurotransmitter Agents
Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors
Adrenergic Agents
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Physiological Effects of Drugs
Psychotropic Drugs
Disorders of Environmental Origin
Anesthetics
Mirtazapine
Mental Disorders
Sensory System Agents
Therapeutic Uses
Vasoconstrictor Agents
Substance-Related Disorders
Cocaine
Antidepressive Agents
Cocaine-Related Disorders
Depression
Histamine Agents
Central Nervous System Depressants
Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
Cardiovascular Agents
Pharmacologic Actions
Anesthetics, Local
Behavioral Symptoms
Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
Histamine Antagonists
Histamine H1 Antagonists
Adrenergic Antagonists

ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on May 07, 2009