Effectiveness of Nefazodone and Bupropion in Treating Marijuana Dependent Individuals

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2004-09-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

Recent research has identified the following withdrawal symptoms to be associated with abruptly stopping marijuana use: anxiety, irritability, bodily aches and pains, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms resemble those of both depression and nicotine withdrawal, suggesting that a similar treatment drug may be useful. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of two antidepressant drugs, bupropion and nefazodone, in reducing withdrawal symptoms in marijuana dependent individuals.

• Phase: Phase 2
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• Treatments: Bupropion; Nefazodone

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meets DSM-IV criteria for current marijuana dependence

• Uses at least 5 marijuana joints per week

• Currently seeking treatment for marijuana dependence

• Used marijuana in a maladaptive pattern in the 6 months prior to study entry

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of seizures or unexplained loss of consciousness

• Significant and unstable psychiatric condition (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)

• Chronic organic mental disorder

• Dependent on any substances of abuse other than marijuana

• Currently at significant suicidal risk

• Unstable physical disorder that may represent a severe untreated condition, such as hypertension (blood pressure greater than 150/90), elevated transaminase levels, or unstable diabetes

• Current or suspected coronary vascular disease

• Has taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor in the 2 weeks prior to study entry

• Currently taking terfenedine, cisapride, astemizole, or pimozide

• History of an allergic reaction to bupropion or nefazodone

• If female, pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to use an adequate method of contraception for the duration of the study