| Title | A preliminary, controlled investigation of magnesium L-aspartate hydrochloride for illicit cocaine and opiate use in methadone-maintained patients. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2003 |
| Authors | Margolin, Arthur, Kathleen Kantak, Michael Copenhaver, and Kelly S. Avants |
| Journal | Journal of addictive diseases |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pagination | 49-61 |
| Date Published | 2003 |
| ISSN | 1055-0887 |
| Keywords | Adult, Aspartic Acid, Cocaine-Related Disorders, Drug Administration Schedule, Female, Humans, Male, Methadone, Narcotics, Opioid-Related Disorders, Patient Compliance, Street Drugs |
| Abstract | Based on pre-clinical studies suggesting that magnesium (Mg) reduces cocaine self-administration and potentiates the antinociceptive effects of morphine, we conducted a preliminary randomized clinical trial investigating Mg for the treatment of illicit cocaine and opiate use. Eighteen methadone-maintained patients who used illicit opiates and cocaine received either Mg (732 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Overall, findings showed that the percentage of urine screens testing positive for opiates in the Mg group (22.6%) was half that of the placebo group (46.4%), p = .04; the difference was even greater in the "medication compliant" sample (Mg: 16.3%, placebo: 47.9%), p = .02. Cocaine craving was lower in the Mg compared to the placebo group, but there was no difference between groups in cocaine use. These preliminary findings suggest that Mg may have a beneficial effect for reducing illicit opiate use. It is possible that a higher dose of Mg than was used in this study may be needed to decrease cocaine use. |
| Alternate Journal | J Addict Dis |
