Drug and alcohol dependence
-
Drug Alcohol Depend · May 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialSafety, tolerability and efficacy of levodopa-carbidopa treatment for cocaine dependence: two double-blind, randomized, clinical trials.
The role of dopamine in cocaine abuse has been long recognized. Cocaine use can profoundly alter dopaminergic functioning through depletion of this monoamine and changes in receptor functioning. Based on these facts, levodopa (L-dopa) pharmacotherapy may be helpful in reducing or abolishing cocaine use. ⋯ These two studies demonstrate the safety and tolerability of L-dopa pharmacotherapy in cocaine-dependent patients. No evidence for greater efficacy of L-dopa compared to placebo was observed. The possibility of enhancing treatment effects by combining L-dopa with other behavioral or pharmacological interventions is discussed.