n-Acetylcysteine and Cocaine

Motivation for Cocaine and Non-Drug Reinforcers: Targeting Glutamate Homeostasis

This study will determine the initial efficacy, safety and tolerability of n-acetylcysteine as a pharmacotherapy for cocaine dependence. A rigorous, inpatient human laboratory study will be conducted in which the subjective, physiological and reinforcing effects of cocaine are evaluated during maintenance on placebo and n-acetylcysteine.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Current cocaine use
• Current cigarette smoker

Exclusion Criteria:

• Abnormal screening outcome (e.g., ECG, blood chemistry result) that study physicians deem clinically significant
• Current or past histories of substance abuse or dependence that are deemed by the study physicians to interfere with study completion
• History of serious physical disease, current physical disease, impaired cardiovascular functioning, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of seizure or current or past histories of serious psychiatric disorder that in the opinion of the study physician would interfere with study participation will be excluded from participation
• Females not currently using effective birth control
• Contraindications to cocaine or n-acetylcysteine
• History of schizophrenia in first degree relative