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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 Jan-Feb;18(1):53-64.
doi: 10.1080/10550490802408936.

A preliminary trial: double-blind comparison of nefazodone, bupropion-SR, and placebo in the treatment of cannabis dependence

Kenneth M Carpenter  1 , David McDowell, Daniel J Brooks, Wendy Y Cheng, Frances R Levin
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A preliminary trial: double-blind comparison of nefazodone, bupropion-SR, and placebo in the treatment of cannabis dependence

Kenneth M Carpenter et al. Am J Addict. 2009 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

The present study investigated the efficacy of nefazodone and bupropion-sustained release for treating cannabis dependence. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, piggy back design was employed to assess if nefazodone and bupropion-sustained release increased the probability of abstinence from cannabis and reduced the severity of cannabis dependence and cannabis withdrawal symptoms during a 13-week outpatient treatment program. One-hundred and six participants (Mean = 32 years; females n = 25) were randomized to one of three medication conditions (nefazodone, bupropion-sustained release, or placebo) and participated in a weekly, individually based coping skills therapy program. Results indicated an increased probability of achieving abstinence over the course of treatment and a decrease in the severity of cannabis dependence and the withdrawal symptom of irritability. There were no significant effects demonstrated for nefazodone and bupropion-sustained release on cannabis use or cannabis withdrawal symptoms. The results indicate nefazodone and bupropion-sustained release may have limited efficacy in treating cannabis dependence.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Participants’ progress through the screening, entry, randomization and medication phases of the treatment trial.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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