Smoked cocaine self-administration is decreased by modafinil

Neuropsychopharmacology. 2008 Mar;33(4):761-8. doi: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301472. Epub 2007 Jun 13.

Abstract

Modafinil has been reported to reduce cocaine use in a clinical sample of infrequent users (2 days/week), but the effects of modafinil on cocaine self-administration in the laboratory have not been studied. The present study investigated the effects of modafinil maintenance on cocaine self-administration by frequent users (4 days/week) under controlled laboratory conditions. During this 48-day double-blind, crossover design study, the effects of modafinil maintenance (0, 200, and 400 mg/day) on response to smoked cocaine (0, 12, 25, and 50 mg) were examined in nontreatment-seeking cocaine-dependent individuals (n=8). Cocaine significantly increased self-administration, subjective-effect ratings, and cardiovascular measures; modafinil at both doses (200 and 400 mg/day) markedly attenuated these effects. These findings agree with data from previous human laboratory and clinical investigations of modafinil as a potential cocaine abuse treatment medication. Thus, our data support the potential of modafinil as a pharmacotherapy for cocaine dependence.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / blood
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / urine
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Cocaine / administration & dosage*
  • Cocaine / blood
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / blood
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Modafinil
  • Neuroprotective Agents / blood
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / urine
  • Pain Measurement
  • Self Administration / methods
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Cocaine
  • Modafinil