Naltrexone for Amphetamine Dependence

The worldwide prevalence of amphetamine use disorders is increasing and now exceeds the prevalences of cocaine and heroin abuse. In a 12-week randomized trial, 80 people with amphetamine dependence were randomized to naltrexone (50 mg daily) or to placebo; all had twice-weekly urine testing and weekly cognitive-behavioral therapy. None of the 25 dropouts (31%) left because of adverse events.

The mean proportion of negative amphetamine urine tests was higher among people assigned to naltrexone than among those assigned to placebo (65% vs. 48% of 24 samples). Naltrexone also was associated with longer time to relapse to amphetamine use (i.e., after 13 vs. 6 negative urine tests).