Quetiapine and Topiramate Combination Therapy in Cocaine Addiction: Preliminary Results of Treatment of the Craving

Abstract

Quetiapine and Topiramate Combination Therapy in Cocaine Addiction: Preliminary Results of Treatment of the Craving Cocaine addiction represents an important health problem for the whole western society. Despite widespread consumption of such substance and relevant medical, psychological and social problems related thereto, until now no therapy has been approved to treat this condition, although research is actively involved in this domain. The aim of this work was to test a pharmacological treatment (quetiapinetopiramate) owning the potential ability to reduce the craving in subjects addicted to cocaine. We chose to use a pharmacological combination made up of two drugs, that is Quetiapine (mean dose 242.9 +/- 58.3 mg) and Topiramate (mean dose 323.8 +/- 61.0). 21 people with cocaine addiction that fulfilled the inclusion criteria identified by the study, were treated within the population of users relating to a Service for addictions in Naples, from April, 2009 to January, 2012. In order to measure the intensity of craving for the substance we used the Visual Analogue Scale (V.A.S.). Each of them has been administered with Topiramate in combination with Quetiapine at defined dosages. Clinical and toxicological tests took place in order to assess and monitor abstinence from consumption of the substance, intensity of craving and overall physical and mental health status in patients. The evaluation lasted for a period of 6 months. The study group was flanked by a control group consisting of 20 subjects, who were previously treated only by means of psychological interventions. The results of this study showed a significant reduction in craving and consumption of cocaine, as well as a good tolerability of treatment, as proof of a need for further studies on larger samples.