Citalopram for Cocaine Dependence

Clinical Trial of Serotonin Medication Combination in Cocaine Dependence

This is a phase 2 clinical trial of citalopram pharmacotherapy for treatment of cocaine dependence. Using a double-blind, randomized controlled design, eligible cocaine dependent patients will be assigned equally to one of three medication conditions: placebo or the Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) agent, citalopram at either 20 mg per day or 40 mg per day. It is hypothesized that citalopram will reduce cocaine use and increase periods of sustained abstinence substantially more than placebo. Performance on a set of behavioral tasks of impulsivity will be analyzed as potential predictors of treatment response.

Inclusion Criteria:

• between 18 and 60 years of age
• meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 4 (DSM-IV) criteria for current cocaine dependence
• be in acceptable health on the basis of interview, medical history and physical exam
• able to provide the names of at least 2 persons who can generally locate their whereabouts.

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of any psychoactive substance dependence other than cocaine, marijuana, or nicotine
• have a psychiatric disorder or neurological disease or disorder requiring ongoing treatment and/or making study participation unsafe
• medical conditions contraindicating citalopram pharmacotherapy
• taking medications known to have significant drug interactions with the study medication
• pregnant or nursing for female patients
• having plans to leave the immediate geographical area within 3 months