Use of Dopamine Agonist Pergolide in Outpatient Treatment of Cocaine Dependence

Abstract

The dopamine agonist pergolide was evaluated in the treatment of 42 men who manifested cocaine dependence in a single-blind, 4-week-long placebo-controlled study, during 1998-1999 in São Paulo, Brazil. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the first group received pergolide (0.05-0.2 mg per day) and the second group received placebo (one to four tablets per day). Urine toxicology screens were obtained. The groups were compared in terms of depressive symptoms, "craving," use of cocaine, side effects of medications, results of urine tests, and retention in treatment. At 3 months' follow-up, the participants were reassessed. No differences were found between the two groups.