NCT01063205

NAC as a Potential Treatment for Methamphetamine Dependence

N-AcetylCysteine as a Potential Treatment of Methamphetamine Dependence

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 10 (actual)
• Sponsor: Baylor College of Medicine · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of treatment with NAC, compared to treatment with placebo, on cue- and methamphetamine (MA)-induced craving and MA subjective effects in non-treatment-seeking MA-dependent human volunteers. We also aim to determine the effects of treatment with NAC, compared to treatment with placebo, on the reinforcing effects of MA by measuring MA self-administration in non-treatment-seeking MA-dependent human volunteers.

Detailed description

N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) treatment is associated with reduced susceptibility to reinstatement of cocaine seeking behavior in rats (Baker et al 2002) and with reduced cue-induced craving in cocaine-dependent human volunteers (LaRowe et al 2006). We propose these aims to evaluate the potential of NAC as a treatment for methamphetamine (MA) dependence: Specific Aim 1: To determine the effects of treatment with NAC(placebo, 1800 and 3600mg daily), compared to treatment with placebo, on cue- and MA-induced craving and MA subjective effects in non-treatment-seeking MA-dependent human volunteers. We hypothesize that treatment with NAC will reduce craving for MA reported following exposure to MA cues and will reduce craving and MA subjective effects reported following non-contingent administration of MA (0mg,9mg, and 30 mg, IV). Specific Aim 2: To determine the effects of treatment with NAC (placebo, 1800 and 3600mg daily), compared to treatment with placebo, on the reinforcing effects of MA by measuring MA self-administration in non-treatment-seeking MA-dependent human volunteers. We hypothesize that treatment with NAC will reduce the number of choices made for MA during choice sessions.

Conditions

• Methamphetamine Abuse
• Methamphetamine Dependence
• Substance Abuse

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Placebo	Placebo administration will be started on day 2 and stopped on day 5. Methylsulonylmethane (MSM) will serve as a placebo for MA.
DRUG	N-acetylcysteine	Study medication (NAC 1800 mg) will be started on day 2 and stopped on day 5.
DRUG	N-acetylcysteine	Study medication (NAC 3600 mg) will be started on day 2 and stopped on day 5.

Timeline

• Start date: 2010-03-01
• Primary completion: 2011-07-01
• Completion: 2011-07-01
• First posted: 2010-02-05
• Last updated: 2012-07-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States