Jonathan Buchholz1, Andrew J Saxon2. 1. Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Inpatient Psychiatry. 2. Addiction Psychiatry Residency Program, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Director, Center of Excellence in Substance Abuse Treatment and Education (CESATE), VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cocaine is a highly addictive substance with serious medical and mental health consequences. Despite these concerns, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for the treatment of cocaine use disorder (CUD). Although many medication-assisted treatments (MATs) have been investigated, no clear guidelines exist for clinicians treating patients with CUDs. RECENT FINDINGS: There are a limited number of recent data examining MATs for CUD. Multiple high-quality reviews of existing literature have been performed with psychostimulants, modafinil, bupropion, topiramate and disulfiram showing the most promise. Evidence is limited by heterogeneity of studies, small sample sizes and inconsistent results. SUMMARY: The current literature does not strongly support any individual MAT for CUD. Psychosocial interventions, namely contingency management, have the most evidence for treatment of CUD, but it is worth seriously considering MAT for patients who do not respond well to psychosocial interventions alone given limitations in access to care, relatively low risks associated with MAT and significant morbidity associated with CUD. Further research into MAT for CUD is necessary, as the combination of MAT and psychosocial interventions may be better than either alone.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cocaine is a highly addictive substance with serious medical and mental health consequences. Despite these concerns, there are no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for the treatment of cocaine use disorder (CUD). Although many medication-assisted treatments (MATs) have been investigated, no clear guidelines exist for clinicians treating patients with CUDs. RECENT FINDINGS: There are a limited number of recent data examining MATs for CUD. Multiple high-quality reviews of existing literature have been performed with psychostimulants, modafinil, bupropion, topiramate and disulfiram showing the most promise. Evidence is limited by heterogeneity of studies, small sample sizes and inconsistent results. SUMMARY: The current literature does not strongly support any individual MAT for CUD. Psychosocial interventions, namely contingency management, have the most evidence for treatment of CUD, but it is worth seriously considering MAT for patients who do not respond well to psychosocial interventions alone given limitations in access to care, relatively low risks associated with MAT and significant morbidity associated with CUD. Further research into MAT for CUD is necessary, as the combination of MAT and psychosocial interventions may be better than either alone.
Authors: Kevin G Lynch; Jennifer Plebani; Kelly Spratt; Mark Morales; Mila Tamminga; Philip Feibush; Kyle M Kampman Journal: J Addict Med Date: 2022 Mar-Apr 01 Impact factor: 3.702