Yale University

A preliminary, controlled investigation of magnesium L-aspartate hydrochloride for illicit cocaine and opiate use in methadone-maintained patients.

TitleA preliminary, controlled investigation of magnesium L-aspartate hydrochloride for illicit cocaine and opiate use in methadone-maintained patients.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2003
AuthorsMargolin, Arthur, Kathleen Kantak, Michael Copenhaver, and Kelly S. Avants
JournalJournal of addictive diseases
Volume22
Issue2
Pagination49-61
Date Published2003
ISSN1055-0887
KeywordsAdult, Aspartic Acid, Cocaine-Related Disorders, Drug Administration Schedule, Female, Humans, Male, Methadone, Narcotics, Opioid-Related Disorders, Patient Compliance, Street Drugs
AbstractBased 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 JournalJ Addict Dis

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