Topiramate Seen as Cocaine Medication

Topiramate Seen as Cocaine Medication
July 21, 2004

Research Summary

Research suggests that the antiseizure drug topiramate may also be effective in treating individuals addicted to cocaine, when combined with behavioral therapy, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).

The study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine involved 40 people with a cocaine addiction. During the 13-week study, participants were given either a placebo or an escalating daily dose of topiramate. During the last week of the study, participants who were given the antiseizure medication were gradually weaned off the drug.

In addition, all participants received individual cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention therapy twice a week.

The researchers found that participants who were given topiramate were more likely to be abstinent after the eighth week of the study than those who received a placebo.

In a follow-up visit, the researchers reported that those who received topiramate remained drug-free for three or more weeks after the study period.

The researchers concluded that topiramate successfully produces a stable period of cocaine abstinence, which could lead to long-term abstinence.

The study was published in the May 2004 online edition of the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.