Open AccessCurrent and Emerging Treatments for Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Author(s) -
Anna Moszczynska
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
current neuropharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.955
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1875-6190
pISSN - 1570-159X
DOI - 10.2174/1570159x19666210803091637
Subject(s) - meth , methamphetamine , medicine , psychiatry , pharmacotherapy , substance abuse , clinical trial , intensive care medicine , chemistry , monomer , organic chemistry , acrylate , polymer
Almost two decades have passed since the last methamphetamine (METH) abuse epidemic. In recent years, METH abuse in the United States has been rapidly increasing and is currently one of the leading causes of death in our country. Available statistical data indicates reemergence of METH popularity and suggest an impending third epidemic of METH abuse. Alarmingly, there is no FDA-approved medication for METH use disorder (MUD). This disorder is currently treated with behavioral therapies; however, these therapies have limitations and would benefit from the addition of a MUD pharmacotherapy. Unfortunately, clinical trials have not yet found consistently effective pharmacotherapy for MUD. This review outlines the history of METH use, provides information on current prevalence of METH abuse and MUD, describes medications that have been in clinical trials for MUD, and addresses current as well as potential new treatments for MUD.