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Hindi Research Article, J Addict Behav Ther Rehabil Vol: 2 Issue: 2
Quetiapine and Topiramate Combination Therapy in Cocaine Addiction: Preliminary Results of Treatment of the Craving
| Vincenzo Barretta1*, Fabio Curcio2, Emma Asturaro3 and Francesco Auriemma4 | |
| 1Noesis-Associazione per la lotta al disagio psicologico ed alla malattia mentale – ONLUS, Italy | |
| 2M.D. Hygiene and Preventive medicine – Scientific Consultant Noesis-Associazione per la lotta al disagio psicologico ed alla malattia mentale–ONLUS, Italy | |
| 3Psychologist, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist - Scientific Consultant Noesis-Associazione per la lotta al disagio psicologico ed alla malattia mentale–ONLUS, Italy | |
| 4M.D. Psychiatrist - Scientific Consultant Noesis-Associazione per la lotta al disagio psicologico ed alla malattia mentale – ONLUS, Italy | |
| Corresponding author : Vincenzo Barretta Psychiatrist, President – Noesis- Associazione per la lotta al disagio psicologico ed alla malattia mentale – ONLUS, Viale Augusto, 62 – 80125 Napoli, Italy Tel: +39 3473613986 E-mail: vincebarretta@inwind.it |
|
| Received: March 23, 2013 Accepted: June 25, 2013 Published: June 27, 2013 | |
| Citation: Barretta V, Curcio F, Asturaro E, Auriemma F (2013) Quetiapine and Topiramate Combination Therapy in Cocaine Addiction: Preliminary Results of Treatment of the Craving. J Addict Behav Ther Rehabil 2:2. doi:10.4172/2324-9005.1000107 |
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.
