Risperidone for the treatment of cocaine dependence: Randomized, double-blind trial.

193 cocaine-dependent Ss (mean age 34.8 yrs) were enrolled in a 12-wk, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ss initially received either placebo or 4 or 8 mg of risperidone, with a subsequent change to active doses of 2 mg and 4 mg. Ss attended the clinic twice each week, provided urine samples, obtained medication, and underwent 1 behavioral therapy session per week. The study was terminated at the interim analysis. Retention was worse for the 4- and 8-mg active medication groups. Side effects were primarily associated with the 8-mg dose, although neither 2 mg nor 4 mg was well accepted by Ss. There was no reduction in cocaine use associated with risperidone. It is concluded that results suggest that although antagonists might be a useful treatment approach, such as in the treatment of opiate dependence, risperidone is unlikely to find broad acceptance with the treatment-seeking population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)