Open-label pilot study of bupropion plus bromocriptine for treatment of cocaine dependence

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2002;28(1):189-96. doi: 10.1081/ada-120001288.

Abstract

Combinations of medications are often used in neuropsychiatry to enhance treatment efficacy. This 8-week, open-label study tested the combination of bupropion (< or =300 mg) and bromocriptine (< or =7.5 mg) daily in 34 cocaine-dependent (DSM-IIIR) outpatients also receiving weekly individual counseling. The first 18 subjects spent one week at maximum dose; the next 16 spent three weeks. Both groups showed significant reductions in self-reported cocaine use, with no significant change in proportion of urine toxicology tests positive for cocaine. There were no significant differences in outcome between groups. These results suggest that the combination of bupropion and bromocriptine is safe in cocaine addicts, but provide ambiguous evidence of its efficacy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / administration & dosage
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / therapeutic use*
  • Bromocriptine / administration & dosage
  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use*
  • Bupropion / administration & dosage
  • Bupropion / therapeutic use*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Dopamine Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Bupropion
  • Bromocriptine