Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Prescription psychostimulants for the treatment of stimulant use disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Review
  • Published:
Psychopharmacology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Rationale

Agonist-based pharmacologic intervention is an accepted approach in treatment of opioid and tobacco use disorders.

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate usefulness of an agonist approach as treatment of (psycho)stimulant use disorder (PSUD).

Methods

We reviewed PubMed/Medline, LILACS, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases searching for randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design studies evaluating outcomes of individuals treated for cocaine- or amphetamine-type substance use disorder. We combined results of all trials that included the following prescription psychostimulants (PPs): modafinil, methylphenidate, or amphetamines (mixed amphetamine salts, lisdexamphetamine, and dextroamphetamine). The combined sample consisted of 2889 patients. Outcomes of interest included the following: drug abstinence (defined as 2–3 weeks of sustained abstinence and the average maximum days of consecutive abstinence), percentage of drug-negative urine tests across trial, and retention in treatment. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses and assessed quality of evidence using the GRADE system.

Results

Thirty-eight trials were included. Treatment with PPs increases rates of sustained abstinence [risk ratio (RR) = 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (1.10, 1.92)] and duration of abstinence [mean difference (MD) = 3.34, 95% CI = (1.06, 5.62)] in patients with PSUD, particularly those with cocaine use disorder (very low-quality evidence). Prescription amphetamines were particularly efficacious in promoting sustained abstinence in patients with cocaine use disorder [RR = 2.44, 95% CI = (1.66, 3.58)], and higher doses of PPs were particularly efficacious for treatment of cocaine use disorder [RR = 1.95, 95% CI = (1.38, 2.77)] (moderate-quality evidence). Treatment with prescription amphetamines also yielded more cocaine-negative urines [MD = 8.37%, 95% CI = (3.75, 12.98)]. There was no effect of PPs on the retention in treatment.

Conclusion

Prescription psychostimulants, particularly prescription amphetamines given in robust doses, have a clinically significant beneficial effect to promote abstinence in the treatment of individuals with PSUD, specifically the population with cocaine use disorder.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 6.
Fig. 7.
Fig. 8.
Fig. 9.
Fig. 10.
Fig. 11.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alba AC, Alexander PE, Chang J, MacIsaac J, DeFry S, Guyatt GH (2016) High statistical heterogeneity is more frequent in meta-analysis of continuous than binary outcomes. J Clin Epidemiol 70:129–135

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Amato L, Minozzi S, Pani PP, Solimini R, Vecchi S, Zuccaro P, Davoli M (2011) Dopamine agonists for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev:CD003352

  • Andersen ML, Kessler E, Murnane KS, McClung JC, Tufik S, Howell LL (2010) Dopamine transporter-related effects of modafinil in rhesus monkeys. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 210:439–448

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson AL, Reid MS, Li SH, Holmes T, Shemanski L, Slee A, Smith EV, Kahn R, Chiang N, Vocci F, Ciraulo D, Dackis C, Roache JD, Salloum IM, Somoza E, Urschel HC 3rd, Elkashef AM (2009) Modafinil for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend 104:133–139

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson AL, Li SH, Biswas K, McSherry F, Holmes T, Iturriaga E, Kahn R, Chiang N, Beresford T, Campbell J, Haning W, Mawhinney J, McCann M, Rawson R, Stock C, Weis D, Yu E, Elkashef AM (2012) Modafinil for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend 120:135–141

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anthony JC, Warner LA, Kessler RC (1997) Comparative epidemiology of dependence on tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, and inhalants: basic findings from the National Comorbidity Survey.

  • Balshem H, Helfand M, Schunemann HJ, Oxman AD, Kunz R, Brozek J, Vist GE, Falck-Ytter Y, Meerpohl J, Norris S, Guyatt GH (2011) GRADE guidelines: 3. Rating the quality of evidence. J Clin Epidemiol 64:401–406

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Borenstein M, Higgins JP (2013) Meta-analysis and subgroups. Prev Sci 14:134–143

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Callaghan RC, Halliday M, Gatley J, Sykes J, Taylor L, Benny C, Kish SJ (2018) Comparative hazards of acute myocardial infarction among hospitalized patients with methamphetamine- or cocaine-use disorders: a retrospective cohort study. Drug Alcohol Depend 188:259–265

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carroll KM, Kiluk BD, Nich C, DeVito EE, Decker S, LaPaglia D, Duffey D, Babuscio TA, Ball SA (2014) Toward empirical identification of a clinically meaningful indicator of treatment outcome: features of candidate indicators and evaluation of sensitivity to treatment effects and relationship to one year follow up cocaine use outcomes. Drug Alcohol Depend 137:3–19

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Castells X, Cunill R, Perez-Mana C, Vidal X, Capella D (2016) Psychostimulant drugs for cocaine dependence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 9:CD007380

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chan B, Kondo K, Freeman M, Ayers C, Montgomery J, Kansagara D (2019) Pharmacotherapy for cocaine use disorder—a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gen Intern Med. 34:2858–2873

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Cooper WO, Habel LA, Sox CM, Chan KA, Arbogast PG, Cheetham TC, Murray KT, Quinn VP, Stein CM, Callahan ST, Fireman BH, Fish FA, Kirshner HS, O'Duffy A, Connell FA, Ray WA (2011) ADHD drugs and serious cardiovascular events in children and young adults. N Engl J Med 365:1896–1904

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Czoty PW, Stoops WW, Rush CR (2016) Evaluation of the "pipeline" for development of medications for cocaine use disorder: a review of translational preclinical, human laboratory, and clinical trial research. Pharmacol Rev 68:533–562

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Dackis CA, Kampman KM, Lynch KG, Pettinati HM, O'Brien CP (2005) A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of modafinil for cocaine dependence. Neuropsychopharmacology 30:205–211

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dackis CA, Kampman KM, Lynch KG, Plebani JG, Pettinati HM, Sparkman T, O'Brien CP (2012) A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of modafinil for cocaine dependence. J Subst Abuse Treat 43:303–312

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Darke S, Farrell M (2016) Which medications are suitable for agonist drug maintenance? Addiction 111:767–774

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Crescenzo F, Cortese S, Adamo N, Janiri L (2017) Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of adults with ADHD: a meta-review. Evid Based Ment Health 20:4–11

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Giorgi R, Cassar C, Loreto D'alo G, Ciabattini M, Minozzi S, Economou A, Tambelli R, Lucchese F, Saulle R, Amato L, Janiri L, De Crescenzo F (2018) Psychosocial interventions in stimulant use disorders: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis of randomized controlled trials. Riv Psichiatr 53:233–255

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deeks JJ (2002) Issues in the selection of a summary statistic for meta-analysis of clinical trials with binary outcomes. Stat Med 21:1575–1600

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Degenhardt L, Charlson F, Stanaway J, Larney S, Alexander LT, Hickman M, Cowie B, Hall WD, Strang J, Whiteford H, Vos T (2016) Estimating the burden of disease attributable to injecting drug use as a risk factor for HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Lancet Infect Dis 16:1385–1398

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dursteler-MacFarland KM, Farronato NS, Strasser J, Boss J, Kuntze MF, Petitjean SA, Burki C, Wiesbeck GA (2013) A randomized, controlled, pilot trial of methylphenidate and cognitive-behavioral group therapy for cocaine dependence in heroin prescription. J Clin Psychopharmacol 33:104–108

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Engels EA, Schmid CH, Terrin N, Olkin I, Lau J (2000) Heterogeneity and statistical significance in meta-analysis: an empirical study of 125 meta-analyses. Stat Med 19:1707–1728

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ezard N, Dunlop A, Hall M, Ali R, McKetin R, Bruno R, Phung N, Carr A, White J, Clifford B, Liu Z, Shanahan M, Dolan K, Baker AL, Lintzeris N (2018) LiMA: a study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of lisdexamfetamine for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence. BMJ Open 8:e020723

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Faggiano F, Vigna-Taglianti F, Versino E, Lemma P (2003) Methadone maintenance at different dosages for opioid dependence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev:CD002208

  • Faraone SV, Buitelaar J (2010) Comparing the efficacy of stimulants for ADHD in children and adolescents using meta-analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 19:353–364

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fiorentini A, Volonteri LS, Dragogna F, Rovera C, Maffini M, Mauri MC, Altamura CA (2011) Substance-induced psychoses: a critical review of the literature. Curr Drug Abuse Rev 4:228–240

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Florez-Salamanca L, Secades-Villa R, Hasin DS, Cottler L, Wang S, Grant BF, Blanco C (2013) Probability and predictors of transition from abuse to dependence on alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 39:168–179

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Galloway GP, Buscemi R, Coyle JR, Flower K, Siegrist JD, Fiske LA, Baggott MJ, Li L, Polcin D, Chen CY, Mendelson J (2011) A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of sustained-release dextroamphetamine for treatment of methamphetamine addiction. Clin Pharmacol Ther 89:276–282

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia-Rodriguez O, Secades-Villa R, Higgins ST, Fernandez-Hermida JR, Carballo JL, Errasti Perez JM, Al-halabi Diaz S (2009) Effects of voucher-based intervention on abstinence and retention in an outpatient treatment for cocaine addiction: a randomized controlled trial. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 17:131–138

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein RZ, Volkow ND (2011) Oral methylphenidate normalizes cingulate activity and decreases impulsivity in cocaine addiction during an emotionally salient cognitive task. Neuropsychopharmacology 36:366–367

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein RZ, Woicik PA, Maloney T, Tomasi D, Alia-Klein N, Shan J, Honorio J, Samaras D, Wang R, Telang F, Wang GJ, Volkow ND (2010) Oral methylphenidate normalizes cingulate activity in cocaine addiction during a salient cognitive task. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 107:16667–16672

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Grabowski J, Schmitz J, Roache J, Rhoades H, Elk R, Creson D (1994) Methylphenidate (MP) for initial treatment of cocaine dependence and a model for medication evaluation. NIDA Research Monograph 141:436–436

    Google Scholar 

  • Grabowski J, Roache JD, Schmitz JM, Rhoades H, Creson D, Korszun A (1997) Replacement medication for cocaine dependence: methylphenidate. J Clin Psychopharmacol 17:485–488

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grabowski J, Rhoades H, Schmitz J, Stotts A, Daruzska LA, Creson D, Moeller FG (2001) Dextroamphetamine for cocaine-dependence treatment: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. J Clin Psychopharmacol 21:522–526

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grabowski J, Rhoades H, Stotts A, Cowan K, Kopecky C, Dougherty A, Moeller FG, Hassan S, Schmitz J (2004) Agonist-like or antagonist-like treatment for cocaine dependence with methadone for heroin dependence: two double-blind randomized clinical trials. Neuropsychopharmacology 29:969–981

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grant BF, Saha TD, Ruan WJ, Goldstein RB, Chou SP, Jung J, Zhang H, Smith SM, Pickering RP, Huang B, Hasin DS (2016) Epidemiology of DSM-5 drug use disorder: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions—III. JAMA Psychiatry 73:39–47

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Griffith JD, Carranza J, Griffith C, Miller LL (1983) Bupropion: clinical assay for amphetamine-like abuse potential. J Clin Psychiatry 44:206–208

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Habel LA, Cooper WO, Sox CM, Chan KA, Fireman BH, Arbogast PG, Cheetham TC, Quinn VP, Dublin S, Boudreau DM, Andrade SE, Pawloski PA, Raebel MA, Smith DH, Achacoso N, Uratsu C, Go AS, Sidney S, Nguyen-Huynh MN, Ray WA, Selby JV (2011) ADHD medications and risk of serious cardiovascular events in young and middle-aged adults. JAMA 306:2673–2683

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Hartmann-Boyce J, Stead LF, Cahill K, Lancaster T (2014) Efficacy of interventions to combat tobacco addiction: Cochrane update of 2013 reviews. Addiction 109:1414–1425

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heinzerling KG, Swanson AN, Kim S, Cederblom L, Moe A, Ling W, Shoptaw S (2010) Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of modafinil for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend 109:20–29

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Hellem TL, Lundberg KJ, Renshaw PF (2015) A review of treatment options for co-occurring methamphetamine use disorders and depression. J Addict Nurs 26:14–23 quiz E1

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Herin DV, Rush CR, Grabowski J (2010) Agonist-like pharmacotherapy for stimulant dependence: preclinical, human laboratory, and clinical studies. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1187:76–100

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Higgins JPT, Green S (2011) Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 [updated March 2011]. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011

  • Higgins JP, Altman DG, Gotzsche PC, Juni P, Moher D, Oxman AD, Savovic J, Schulz KF, Weeks L, Sterne JA, Cochrane Bias Methods G, Cochrane Statistical Methods G (2011) The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ 343:d5928

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Indave BI, Minozzi S, Pani PP, Amato L (2016) Antipsychotic medications for cocaine dependence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3:CD006306

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jasinski DR (2000) An evaluation of the abuse potential of modafinil using methylphenidate as a reference. J Psychopharmacology 14:53–60

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jerry JM, Shirvani N, Dale R (2016) Addiction to armodafinil and modafinil presenting with paranoia. J Clin Psychopharmacol 36:98–100

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kalivas PW, O'Brien C (2008) Drug addiction as a pathology of staged neuroplasticity. Neuropsychopharmacology 33:166–180

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kampman KM (2019) The treatment of cocaine use disorder. Sci Adv 5:eaax1532

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kampman KM, Lynch KG, Pettinati HM, Spratt K, Wierzbicki MR, Dackis C, O'Brien CP (2015) A double blind, placebo controlled trial of modafinil for the treatment of cocaine dependence without co-morbid alcohol dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend 155:105–110

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kim W, Tateno A, Arakawa R, Sakayori T, Ikeda Y, Suzuki H, Okubo Y (2014) In vivo activity of modafinil on dopamine transporter measured with positron emission tomography and [(1)(8)F]FE-PE2I. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 17:697–703

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Konstenius M, Jayaram-Lindstrom N, Beck O, Franck J (2010) Sustained release methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD in amphetamine abusers: a pilot study. Drug Alcohol Depend 108:130–133

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Konstenius M, Jayaram-Lindstrom N, Guterstam J, Beck O, Philips B, Franck J (2014) Methylphenidate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and drug relapse in criminal offenders with substance dependence: a 24-week randomized placebo-controlled trial. Addiction 109:440–449

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Learned-Coughlin SM, Bergstrom M, Savitcheva I, Ascher J, Schmith VD, Langstrom B (2003) In vivo activity of bupropion at the human dopamine transporter as measured by positron emission tomography. Biol Psychiatry 54:800–805

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee NK, Rawson RA (2008) A systematic review of cognitive and behavioural therapies for methamphetamine dependence. Drug Alcohol Rev 27:309–317

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lee SS, Humphreys KL, Flory K, Liu R, Glass K (2011) Prospective association of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use and abuse/dependence: a meta-analytic review. Clin Psychol Rev 31:328–341

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Levin FR, Evans SM, Brooks DJ, Kalbag AS, Garawi F, Nunes EV (2006) Treatment of methadone-maintained patients with adult ADHD: double-blind comparison of methylphenidate, bupropion and placebo. Drug Alcohol Depend 81:137–148

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levin FR, Evans SM, Brooks DJ, Garawi F (2007) Treatment of cocaine dependent treatment seekers with adult ADHD: double-blind comparison of methylphenidate and placebo. Drug Alcohol Depend 87:20–29

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levin FR, Mariani JJ, Bisaga A, Nunes EV (2015a) Ling et al.’s ‘sustained-release methylphenidate in a randomized trial of treatment of methamphetamine use disorder’. Addiction 110:875–876

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Levin FR, Mariani JJ, Specker S, Mooney M, Mahony A, Brooks DJ, Babb D, Bai Y, Eberly LE, Nunes EV, Grabowski J (2015b) Extended-release mixed amphetamine salts vs placebo for comorbid adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and cocaine use disorder: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry 72:593–602

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Levin FR, Mariani JJ, Pavlicova M, Choi CJ, Mahony AL, Brooks DJ, Bisaga A, Dakwar E, Carpenter KM, Naqvi N, Nunes EV, Kampman K (2020) Extended release mixed amphetamine salts and topiramate for cocaine dependence: a randomized clinical replication trial with frequent users. Drug Alcohol Depend 206:107700

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ling W, Chang L, Hillhouse M, Ang A, Striebel J, Jenkins J, Hernandez J, Olaer M, Mooney L, Reed S, Fukaya E, Kogachi S, Alicata D, Holmes N, Esagoff A (2014) Sustained-release methylphenidate in a randomized trial of treatment of methamphetamine use disorder. Addiction 109:1489–1500

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • London ED, Kohno M, Morales AM, Ballard ME (2015) Chronic methamphetamine abuse and corticostriatal deficits revealed by neuroimaging. Brain Res 1628:174–185

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Longo M, Wickes W, Smout M, Harrison S, Cahill S, White JM (2010) Randomized controlled trial of dexamphetamine maintenance for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence. Addiction 105:146–154

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lussier JP, Heil SH, Mongeon JA, Badger GJ, Higgins ST (2006) A meta-analysis of voucher-based reinforcement therapy for substance use disorders. Addiction 101:192–203

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Madras BK, Xie Z, Lin Z, Jassen A, Panas H, Lynch L, Johnson R, Livni E, Spencer TJ, Bonab AA, Miller GM, Fischman AJ (2006) Modafinil occupies dopamine and norepinephrine transporters in vivo and modulates the transporters and trace amine activity in vitro. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 319:561–569

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maisel NC, Blodgett JC, Wilbourne PL, Humphreys K, Finney JW (2013) Meta-analysis of naltrexone and acamprosate for treating alcohol use disorders: when are these medications most helpful? Addiction 108:275–293

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mariani JJ, Levin FR (2012) Psychostimulant treatment of cocaine dependence. Psychiatr Clin North Am 35:425–439

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Mariani JJ, Pavlicova M, Bisaga A, Nunes EV, Brooks DJ, Levin FR (2012) Extended-release mixed amphetamine salts and topiramate for cocaine dependence: a randomized controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry 72:950–956

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Marsden J, Eastwood B, Bradbury C, Dale-Perera A, Farrell M, Hammond P, Knight J, Randhawa K, Wright C, National Drug Treatment Monitoring System Outcomes Study G (2009) Effectiveness of community treatments for heroin and crack cocaine addiction in England: a prospective, in-treatment cohort study. Lancet 374:1262–1270

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marx A, Bucher HC (2003) Numbers needed to treat derived from meta-analysis: a word of caution. ACP J Club 138:A11–A12

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mattick RP, Breen C, Kimber J, Davoli M (2009) Methadone maintenance therapy versus no opioid replacement therapy for opioid dependence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev:CD002209

  • McMaster University (developed by Evidence Prime I (2015) GRADEpro GDT: GRADEpro Guideline Development Tool [Software]

  • Meyer JH, Goulding VS, Wilson AA, Hussey D, Christensen BK, Houle S (2002) Bupropion occupancy of the dopamine transporter is low during clinical treatment. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 163:102–105

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miguel AQ, Madruga CS, Cogo-Moreira H, Yamauchi R, Simoes V, da Silva CJ, McPherson S, Roll JM, Laranjeira RR (2016) Contingency management is effective in promoting abstinence and retention in treatment among crack cocaine users in Brazil: a randomized controlled trial. Psychol Addict Behav 30:536–543

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Miguel AQC, Kiluk BD, Babuscio TA, Nich C, Mari JJ, Carroll KM (2019) Short and long-term improvements in psychiatric symptomatology to validate clinically meaningful treatment outcomes for cocaine use disorders. Drug Alcohol Depend 198:126–132

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Miles SW, Sheridan J, Russell B, Kydd R, Wheeler A, Walters C, Gamble G, Hardley P, Jensen M, Kuoppasalmi K, Tuomola P, Fohr J, Kuikanmaki O, Vorma H, Salokangas R, Mikkonen A, Kallio M, Kauhanen J, Kiviniemi V, Tiihonen J (2013) Extended-release methylphenidate for treatment of amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Addiction 108:1279–1286

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Minozzi S, Saulle R, De Crescenzo F, Amato L (2016) Psychosocial interventions for psychostimulant misuse. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 9:CD011866

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Modafinil and Naltrexone to Reduce Cocaine and Alcohol Dependence (n.d.) https://ClinicalTrials.gov/show/NCT00142818

  • Modafinil Combined With Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Treat Cocaine Addiction—1 (n.d.) https://ClinicalTrials.gov/show/NCT00218387

  • Modafinil for Methamphetamine Dependence (n.d.) https://ClinicalTrials.gov/show/NCT00859573

  • Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, Group P (2009) Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. J Clin Epidemiol 62:1006–1012

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mooney ME, Herin DV, Schmitz JM, Moukaddam N, Green CE, Grabowski J (2009) Effects of oral methamphetamine on cocaine use: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Drug Alcohol Depend 101:34–41

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mooney ME, Herin DV, Specker S, Babb D, Levin FR, Grabowski J (2015) Pilot study of the effects of lisdexamfetamine on cocaine use: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Drug Alcohol Depend 153:94–103

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan PT, Angarita GA, Canavan S, Pittman B, Oberleitner L, Malison RT, Mohsenin V, Hodges S, Easton C, McKee S, Bessette A, Forselius E (2016) Modafinil and sleep architecture in an inpatient-outpatient treatment study of cocaine dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend 160:49–56

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Nuesch E, Trelle S, Reichenbach S, Rutjes AW, Tschannen B, Altman DG, Egger M, Juni P (2010) Small study effects in meta-analyses of osteoarthritis trials: meta-epidemiological study. BMJ 341:c3515

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Nuijten M, Blanken P, van de Wetering B, Nuijen B, van den Brink W, Hendriks VM (2016) Sustained-release dexamfetamine in the treatment of chronic cocaine-dependent patients on heroin-assisted treatment: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 387:2226–2234

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Oxman AD, Guyatt GH (1992) A consumer's guide to subgroup analyses. Ann Intern Med 116:78–84

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Penberthy JK, Ait-Daoud N, Vaughan M, Fanning T (2010) Review of treatment for cocaine dependence. Curr Drug Abuse Rev 3:49–62

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pérez-Mañá C, Llonch C, Farre M (2012) Transparency in clinical research: registration of clinical trials and publication of results. Med Clin (Barc) 139:593–597

  • Pérez-Mañá C, Castells X, Torrens M, Capella D, Farre M (2013) Efficacy of psychostimulant drugs for amphetamine abuse or dependence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev:CD009695

  • Petry NM, Peirce JM, Stitzer ML, Blaine J, Roll JM, Cohen A, Obert J, Killeen T, Saladin ME, Cowell M, Kirby KC, Sterling R, Royer-Malvestuto C, Hamilton J, Booth RE, Macdonald M, Liebert M, Rader L, Burns R, DiMaria J, Copersino M, Stabile PQ, Kolodner K, Li R (2005) Effect of prize-based incentives on outcomes in stimulant abusers in outpatient psychosocial treatment programs: a national drug abuse treatment clinical trials network study. Arch Gen Psychiatry 62:1148–1156

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pharmacotherapy & CM for Opioid and Cocaine Dependence (n.d.) https://ClinicalTrials.gov/show/NCT00838981

  • Pharmacotherapy Dosing Regimen in Cocaine and Opiate Dependent Individuals—8 (n.d.) https://ClinicalTrials.gov/show/NCT00218036

  • Rezaei F, Emami M, Zahed S, Morabbi MJ, Farahzadi M, Akhondzadeh S (2015) Sustained-release methylphenidate in methamphetamine dependence treatment: a double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Daru 23:2

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roos CR, Nich C, Mun CJ, Babuscio TA, Mendonca J, Miguel AQC, DeVito EE, Yip SW, Witkiewitz K, Carroll KM, Kiluk BD (2019a) Clinical validation of reduction in cocaine frequency level as an endpoint in clinical trials for cocaine use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 205:107648

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Roos CR, Nich C, Mun CJ, Mendonca J, Babuscio TA, Witkiewitz K, Carroll KM, Kiluk BD (2019b) Patterns of cocaine use during treatment: associations with baseline characteristics and follow-up functioning. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 80:431–440

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Rounsaville BJ (2004) Treatment of cocaine dependence and depression. Biol Psychiatry 56:803–809

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rounsaville BJ, Anton SF, Carroll K, Budde D, Prusoff BA, Gawin F (1991) Psychiatric diagnoses of treatment-seeking cocaine abusers. Arch Gen Psychiatry 48:43–51

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rush CR, Baker RW (2001) Behavioral pharmacological similarities between methylphenidate and cocaine in cocaine abusers. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 9:59–73

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rush CR, Stoops WW (2012) Agonist replacement therapy for cocaine dependence: a translational review. Future Med Chem 4:245–265

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sabrini S, Wang GY, Lin JC, Ian JK, Curley LE (2019) Methamphetamine use and cognitive function: a systematic review of neuroimaging research. Drug Alcohol Depend 194:75–87

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schmitz JM, Rathnayaka N, Green CE, Moeller FG, Dougherty AE, Grabowski J (2012) Combination of modafinil and d-amphetamine for the treatment of cocaine dependence: a preliminary investigation. Front Psychiatry 3:77

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Schmitz JM, Green CE, Stotts AL, Lindsay JA, Rathnayaka NS, Grabowski J, Moeller FG (2014) A two-phased screening paradigm for evaluating candidate medications for cocaine cessation or relapse prevention: modafinil, levodopa-carbidopa, naltrexone. Drug Alcohol Depend 136:100–107

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Schubiner H, Saules KK, Arfken CL, Johanson CE, Schuster CR, Lockhart N, Edwards A, Donlin J, Pihlgren E (2002) Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of methylphenidate in the treatment of adult ADHD patients with comorbid cocaine dependence. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 10:286–294

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schuckit MA (2016) Treatment of opioid-use disorders. N Engl J Med 375:357–368

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shearer J (2008) The principles of agonist pharmacotherapy for psychostimulant dependence. Drug Alcohol Rev 27:301–308

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shearer J, Sherman J, Wodak A, van Beek I (2002) Substitution therapy for amphetamine users. Drug Alcohol Rev 21:179–185

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shearer J, Wodak A, van Beek I, Mattick RP, Lewis J (2003) Pilot randomized double blind placebo-controlled study of dexamphetamine for cocaine dependence. Addiction 98:1137–1141

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shearer J, Darke S, Rodgers C, Slade T, van Beek I, Lewis J, Brady D, McKetin R, Mattick RP, Wodak A (2009) A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of modafinil (200 mg/day) for methamphetamine dependence. Addiction 104:224–233

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singh M, Keer D, Klimas J, Wood E, Werb D (2016) Topiramate for cocaine dependence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Addiction 111:1337–1346

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stoops WW, Rush CR (2013) Agonist replacement for stimulant dependence: a review of clinical research. Curr Pharm Des 19:7026–7035

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (2019) Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Rockville, MD: (HHS Publication No PEP19-5068, NSDUH Series H-54), Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality

  • Tardelli VS, Lago M, Mendez M, Bisaga A, Fidalgo TM (2018) Contingency management with pharmacologic treatment for stimulant use disorders: a review. Behav Res Ther 111:57–63

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • The Nordic Cochrane Centre TCC (2014) Review Manager (RevMan) [Computer program] Version 5.3

  • Tiihonen J, Kuoppasalmi K, Fohr J, Tuomola P, Kuikanmaki O, Vorma H, Sokero P, Haukka J, Meririnne E (2007) A comparison of aripiprazole, methylphenidate, and placebo for amphetamine dependence. Am J Psychiatry 164:160–162

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2019) World drug report 2019

  • van de Glind G, Konstenius M, Koeter MWJ, van Emmerik-van Oortmerssen K, Carpentier PJ, Kaye S, Degenhardt L, Skutle A, Franck J, Bu ET, Moggi F, Dom G, Verspreet S, Demetrovics Z, Kapitany-Foveny M, Fatseas M, Auriacombe M, Schillinger A, Moller M, Johnson B, Faraone SV, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Casas M, Allsop S, Carruthers S, Schoevers RA, Wallhed S, Barta C, Alleman P, Group IR, Levin FR, van den Brink W (2014) Variability in the prevalence of adult ADHD in treatment seeking substance use disorder patients: results from an international multi-center study exploring DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria. Drug Alcohol Depend 134:158–166

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van Emmerik-van Oortmerssen K, van de Glind G, van den Brink W, Smit F, Crunelle CL, Swets M, Schoevers RA (2012) Prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in substance use disorder patients: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 122:11–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viera AJ (2008) Odds ratios and risk ratios: what's the difference and why does it matter? South Med J 101:730–734

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Volkow ND, Fowler JS, Logan J, Alexoff D, Zhu W, Telang F, Wang GJ, Jayne M, Hooker JM, Wong C, Hubbard B, Carter P, Warner D, King P, Shea C, Xu Y, Muench L, Apelskog-Torres K (2009) Effects of modafinil on dopamine and dopamine transporters in the male human brain: clinical implications. JAMA 301:1148–1154

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Weiss RD (2004) Adherence to pharmacotherapy in patients with alcohol and opioid dependence. Addiction 99:1382–1392

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Woon LS, Hazli Z, Gan LLY (2018) Pharmacotherapy for comorbid adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and stimulant dependence: a systematic review. International Medical Journal Malaysia 17:149–161

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil

    Vitor S. Tardelli, Felipe B. Arcadepani & Thiago M. Fidalgo

  2. Division of Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

    Adam Bisaga & Frances R. Levin

  3. Drug Prevention and Health Branch, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria

    Gilberto Gerra

Authors
  1. Vitor S. Tardelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Adam Bisaga
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Felipe B. Arcadepani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Gilberto Gerra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Frances R. Levin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Thiago M. Fidalgo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vitor S. Tardelli.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

Ethical approval

The present article does not necessarily express the view of the United Nations.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Electronic supplementary material

ESM 1

(DOCX 190 kb)

ESM 2

(DOC 63 kb)

ESM 3

(PDF 32.4 kb)

ESM 4

(PDF 38 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Tardelli, V.S., Bisaga, A., Arcadepani, F.B. et al. Prescription psychostimulants for the treatment of stimulant use disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychopharmacology 237, 2233–2255 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-020-05563-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-020-05563-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation