Agonist replacement therapy for cocaine dependence: A translational review

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cocaine use disorders are prevalent throughout the world. Agonist replacement therapy is among the most effective strategies for managing substance use disorders including nicotine and opioid dependence. This paper reviews the translational literature, including preclinical experiments, human laboratory studies and clinical trials, to determine whether agonist-replacement therapy is a viable strategy for managing cocaine dependence. Discussion is limited to transporter blockers (i.e., methylphenidate) and releasers (i.e., amphetamine analogs) that are available for use in humans in the hope of impacting clinical research and practice more quickly. The translational review suggests that agonist-replacement therapy, especially monoamine releasers, may be effective for managing cocaine dependence. Future directions for medications development are also discussed because the viability of agonist-replacement therapy for cocaine dependence may hinge on identifying novel compounds or formulations that have less abuse and diversion potential.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)245-265
Number of pages21
JournalFuture Medicinal Chemistry
Volume4
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2012

Keywords

  • Use of a medication with similar effects to those of a drug of abuse to manage or treat drug dependence. Examples include methadone for opioid use or nicotine patches/gum for smoking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Discovery

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