The Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Methamphetamine Dependence: A Double-blind Controlled, Crossover Study

Abstract

Objective: Preclinical studies and early pilot clinical:investigations have suggested that N-acetylcyateine (NAC) May be useful in treatment of methamphetamine (METH) dependence. The-present study evaluated whether NAC would suppress craving-to the METH. Methods: In a double-blind, controlled crossover clinical trial, 32 METH dependent volunteers were chosen to receive either NAC (1200 mg/day) or placebo, randomly. They were intervened in two four-Week sessions. Dining first session they received:either 1200 mg/day of NAC (group A) or placebo (group B). After three days of washout period, next session started with the crossover intervention of the previous regimen. During these eight weeks, all: participants received standardized, and Matrix Model Meath-lent. Craving was assessed-using-the Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief (CCQ-Brief). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: In 23 Subjects who completed the study, the mean score Of CCQ-Brief reduced in four consecutive weeks-with NAC treatment. The Mean (SD) scores of carving in group A and B:Were 3.38 (1.16) and 5.96 (1.03), at the end of first session; and 4.57 (1.88) and 3.2 (0.86), at the end of the second session, respectively. Our findings indicate that the main effect was significant for NAC (P<0.001). Across placebo and NAC conditions, only Mild side effects were noted, and the number of subjects who reported side effects did not differ. Conclusion : The NAC showed good efficacy in suppressing METH craving and they be a useful pharmacological for METH dependency.