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A Preliminary Trial: Double‐Blind Comparison of Nefazodone, Bupropion‐SR, and Placebo in the Treatment of Cannabis Dependence
Author(s) -
Carpenter Kenneth M.,
McDowell David,
Brooks Daniel J.,
Cheng Wendy Y.,
Levin Frances R.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1080/10550490802408936
Subject(s) - nefazodone , bupropion , cannabis dependence , abstinence , placebo , cannabis , psychology , medicine , psychiatry , anesthesia , fluoxetine , cannabidiol , smoking cessation , receptor , alternative medicine , pathology , serotonin
The present study investigated the efficacy of nefazodone and bupropion‐sustained release for treating cannabis dependence. A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, piggy back design was employed to assess if nefazodone and bupropion‐sustained release increased the probability of abstinence from cannabis and reduced the severity of cannabis dependence and cannabis withdrawal symptoms during a 13‐week outpatient treatment program. One‐hundred and six participants (Mean = 32 years; females n = 25) were randomized to one of three medication conditions (nefazodone, bupropion‐sustained release, or placebo) and participated in a weekly, individually based coping skills therapy program. Results indicated an increased probability of achieving abstinence over the course of treatment and a decrease in the severity of cannabis dependence and the withdrawal symptom of irritability. There were no significant effects demonstrated for nefazodone and bupropion‐sustained release on cannabis use or cannabis withdrawal symptoms. The results indicate nefazodone and bupropion‐sustained release may have limited efficacy in treating cannabis dependence.