Gender differences in associations between neurocognitive impairment and cocaine use among high-risk cocaine-dependent methadone-maintained patients

Abstract

reuptake, the potential for misuse and abuse should be considered. This exploratory study assessed CTN’s abuse potential in recreational stimulant users. Methods: In this double-blind, randomized 5-way crossover study, 36 recreational stimulant users received single oral doses of CTN (400 and 800mg), damphetamine (d-AMP 40mg), lisdexamfetamine (LDX 150mg) and placebo. Eligible subjects passed a qualification session to ensure they could discriminate and like the effects of dAMP. In the treatment phase, subjective effects (visual analog scales [VAS], Addiction Research Center Inventory [ARCI] scales) and safety measures were assessed up to 24h after each dose. Results:Maximum Drug Liking VAS (DL Emax) was significantly higher for d-AMP and LDX vs. placebo (p<0.05), confirming study validity. DL Emax for CTNwas higher than placebo and numerically, but not statistically lower than dAMP and LDX. MinimumDL (Emin) for CTN was significantly lower compared to placebo, dAMP and LDX, indicating significant disliking. Bad Effects and Nausea VAS scores revealed distinct aversive effects of CTN compared with dAMP, LDX and placebo. CTN had significantly lower Emax scores on ARCI Amphetamine and ARCI Benzedrine Group scales compared with d-AMP and LDX. CTN was associated with a higher incidence of nausea (e.g., 56.3% at 800mg) and emesis (59.4%) vs. d-AMP, LDX and placebo (0–3%). Conclusions: These exploratory results indicate that CTN’s subjective effects profile is distinct from that of dAMP and LDX, and suggest a lower abuse potential compared with these typical stimulants. Financial support: Neurovance, Inc.