Modafinil does not reduce cocaine use in methadone-maintained individuals

Abstract

Introduction: There are no approved medications for the treatment of cocaine use disorder (CUD). Modafinil, a cognitive-enhancer with weak stimulant-like effects, has shown promise in initial studies as a treatment for CUD. Its potential efficacy has not been examined in individuals dually dependent on cocaine and opioids. Methods: This study examined the efficacy of modafinil, in combination with contingency management (CM), for reducing cocaine and opioid use and improving cognitive function in methadone-stabilized individuals with opioid and cocaine dependence. We conducted a 17-week, double-blind, randomized controlled trial in which participants were randomized to one of four conditions: 1) modafinil + CM; 2) modafinil + yoked-control (YC); 3) placebo +CM; or 4) placebo + YC. Additionally, all subjects received platform treatments of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and methadone. While the original planned sample size was N = 160, a total of 91 participants were randomized. The two primary cocaine use outcomes were percentage of urine specimens positive for cocaine and percent of days of self-reported abstinence from cocaine during treatment. Cognitive function, opioid use, and secondary cocaine use outcomes were also considered. Results: Modafinil was well-tolerated with minimal reports of adverse effects. Modafinil was no more effective than placebo in reducing cocaine or opioid use or improving cognitive performance. Conclusions: In the context of a trial with robust control conditions and platform treatments, these findings did not provide support for the efficacy of modafinil treatment for the treatment of CUD in methadone-stabilized individuals with dual opioid and cocaine dependence.

Keywords

• Cocaine use disorder
• modafinil
• clinical trial
• contingency management
• methadone
• opioid