UNLABELLED: To assess the efficacy of oxcarbazepine in the treatment of cocaine addiction and its influence on impulsivity and craving in cocaine addicts. METHODOLOGY: A prospective, observational and clinical study was conducted in patients diagnosed with cocaine abuse/dependence (DSM IV criteria), monitoring supervised treatment with oxcarbazepine for 12 weeks. SAMPLE: 30 patients (aged 18 or over) voluntarily undergoing treatment at an Addictive Behaviors Unit (UCA). Patients were selected randomly after providing explicit authorization and informed consent. RESULTS: Abstinence rate increased, reaching 100% of participants that remained in compliance throughout the 12-week period (60% of those who started the treatment). Negative results in the urine test for cocaine detection also increased, reaching 90.9% of those in treatment at week 8. Treatment with oxcarbazepine was seen to produce a statistically significant reduction in craving and impulsivity after 4, 8 and 12 weeks, with respect to baseline measures at the start of treatment. The craving index correlates with reduction in cocaine use. CONCLUSIONS: Oxcarbazepine is effective in reducing impulsivity and craving in relation to cocaine. Thus, we recommend high initial doses of oxcarbazepine in patients with high impulsivity prior to treatment.
UNLABELLED: To assess the efficacy of oxcarbazepine in the treatment of cocaine addiction and its influence on impulsivity and craving in cocaine addicts. METHODOLOGY: A prospective, observational and clinical study was conducted in patients diagnosed with cocaine abuse/dependence (DSM IV criteria), monitoring supervised treatment with oxcarbazepine for 12 weeks. SAMPLE: 30 patients (aged 18 or over) voluntarily undergoing treatment at an Addictive Behaviors Unit (UCA). Patients were selected randomly after providing explicit authorization and informed consent. RESULTS: Abstinence rate increased, reaching 100% of participants that remained in compliance throughout the 12-week period (60% of those who started the treatment). Negative results in the urine test for cocaine detection also increased, reaching 90.9% of those in treatment at week 8. Treatment with oxcarbazepine was seen to produce a statistically significant reduction in craving and impulsivity after 4, 8 and 12 weeks, with respect to baseline measures at the start of treatment. The craving index correlates with reduction in cocaine use. CONCLUSIONS:Oxcarbazepine is effective in reducing impulsivity and craving in relation to cocaine. Thus, we recommend high initial doses of oxcarbazepine in patients with high impulsivity prior to treatment.