Dronabinol Naltrexone Treatment for Opioid Dependence
Information source: New York State Psychiatric Institute
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 23, 2015 Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Opioid Dependence
Intervention: injectable naltrexone and dronabinol (Drug); Naltrexone and placebo (Drug)
Phase: Phase 2/Phase 3
Status: Completed
Sponsored by: New York State Psychiatric Institute Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s): Adam Bisaga, MD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Columbia University
Summary
The goal of this two-year study is to test the efficacy of dronabinol as an adjunct to
maintenance treatment with naltrexone in opioid-dependent individuals. We hypothesize that
administering dronabinol during detoxification and during the first few weeks of naltrexone
treatment will lead to improved naltrexone tolerability, resulting in better naltrexone
compliance and treatment retention, and ultimately a reduction in opioid use and relapse
rates.
Clinical Details
Official title: Dronabinol Naltrexone Treatment for Opioid Dependence
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment
Primary outcome: Opiate Withdrawal Measured by the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS) .Retention
Detailed description:
The goal of this two-year study is to test the efficacy of dronabinol as an adjunct to
maintenance treatment with naltrexone in opioid-dependent individuals. We are proposing a
randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel-groups, 8 week study of relapse
prevention in opioid-dependent individuals. Participants will be randomized into one of two
conditions (1) Naltrexone and Placebo (N=20) and (2) Naltrexone and dronabinol 15 mg bid
(N=40). Treatment will be delivered in an outpatient setting except for the initial phase of
inpatient detoxification, lasting 8 days. A long-acting, injectable form of naltrexone 380
mg (Vivitrol) will be administered once per month (the total of two injections), while
dronabinol or placebo will be taken daily. In addition, patients will receive a psychosocial
intervention that will include elements of motivational interviewing and
cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention therapy. The primary aim is to test the efficacy of
dronabinol in improving tolerability of naltrexone induction and reducing attrition during
detoxification and the first two months of naltrexone treatment. The primary outcome will be
the severity of opiate withdrawal and craving. The secondary outcome will be will be
retention in treatment at study's end.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 18 Years.
Maximum age: 60 Years.
Gender(s): Both.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- 1. Adult, aged 18-60.
- 2. Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual -IV criteria for current opiate
dependence disorder of at least six months duration, supported by a positive urine
for opiates and a positive naloxone challenge test if the diagnosis is unclear.
- 3. Have a history of marijuana use (more than 30 occasions lifetime)
- 4. Voluntarily seeking treatment for opioid dependence
- 5. In otherwise good health based on complete medical history, physical examination,
vital signs measurement, ECG, and laboratory tests (hematology, blood chemistry,
urinalysis) within normal ranges.
- 6. Able to give informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
- 1. Physiologically dependent on alcohol or sedative-hypnotics with impending
withdrawal.
- 2. Patients meeting current criteria for cannabis abuse or dependence, and those who
used cannabis in the week prior to study entry as documented by the positive
toxicology
- 3. Current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual -IV criteria of other substance use
disorders. Exceptions include cannabis abuse or dependence, nicotine dependence,
cocaine abuse or dependence, alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence without
physiological dependence as long as opioid dependence is a primary disorder. Alcohol
dependence with physiological dependence is exclusionary.
- 4. Significant current suicidal risk or 1 or more suicide attempts within the past
year
- 5. History of accidental drug overdose in the last three years defined as an episode
of opioid-induced unconsciousness or incapacitation, whether or not medical treatment
was sought or received.
- 6. Positive serum pregnancy test, lactation, or unwillingness to use a satisfactory
method of birth control
- 7. Active psychiatric disorder which might interfere with participation or make
participation hazardous, including Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - IV organic
mental disorder, psychotic disorder, or bipolar disorder with mania
- 8. History of allergic reaction, adverse reaction, or sensitivity to any study
medication.
- 9. Acute hepatitis with serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase or serum
glutamic-pyruvic transaminase > 3 times the upper end of the laboratory normal range
(chronic hepatitis is acceptable as we have found naltrexone treatment well tolerate
and safe among patients with chronic hepatitis)
- 10. Currently prescribed or regularly taking opiates for chronic pain or medical
illness.
- 11. Current participation in a methadone maintenance treatment program and/or regular
use of illicit methadone (>30 mg per week).
- 12. Current participation in another intensive psychotherapy or substance abuse
treatment program or participation in another treatment study.
- 13. Concurrent treatment with psychotropic medications
Locations and Contacts
New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032, United States
Additional Information
Starting date: January 2010
Last updated: September 3, 2014
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