Aripiprazole Treatment for Methamphetamine Dependence Among High-risk Individuals
![]() |
The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00497055 |
Recruitment Status
:
Completed
First Posted
: July 6, 2007
Results First Posted
: March 24, 2014
Last Update Posted
: March 24, 2014
|
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- Study Results
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Condition or disease | Intervention/treatment | Phase |
---|---|---|
Substance Abuse HIV Infections | Drug: Aripiprazole Drug: Placebo | Phase 2 |
Population-based surveys estimate that the prevalence of methamphetamine use is 20 times higher among men who have sex with men (MSM) compared to the general population. Methamphetamine-associated sexual risk behavior is also a driving force in the MSM HIV epidemic: methamphetamine use has been associated with increased number of sexual partners, unprotected sex acts, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV acquisition. Despite these alarming data, relatively few interventions have been tested among methamphetamine-using MSM. Among heterosexual non-injection drug users, methamphetamine use has been associated with well characterized risks for HIV and STDs including increased numbers of sexual partners, less condom use than non-methamphetamine users, engaging in sex work, and self-reported history of STDs. In parallel with the continued testing of behavioral approaches, we believe the time has come to test the feasibility and acceptability of pharmacologic interventions to reduce methamphetamine use among high-risk individuals. Pharmacologic approaches to treating substance use have been successful in treating nicotine, alcohol, and heroin dependencies. Preliminary dosing studies demonstrate that aripiprazole (Abilify), an FDA-approved, well-tolerated antipsychotic and partial dopamine agonist, reduced the effects of methamphetamine in humans and exhibited a good safety profile. We propose to expand upon these promising results by conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of aripiprazole among sexually-active, methamphetamine-dependent individuals.
The specific aims of this study are:
- To test the hypothesis that aripiprazole 20 mg daily will reduce methamphetamine use significantly more than placebo among methamphetamine-dependent individuals, as determined by the proportion of methamphetamine-negative urines and by self-report of methamphetamine use in the aripiprazole versus placebo group.
- To measure the acceptability of aripiprazole and placebo among methamphetamine-dependent individuals, by determining (via electronic pill caps and self-report) medication adherence to aripiprazole and placebo.
- To measure the safety and tolerability of aripiprazole and placebo among methamphetamine-dependent individuals, as determined by the number of adverse clinical events in the aripiprazole and placebo arms.
If promising, study results will be used to design larger, definitive clinical trials to determine the efficacy of aripiprazole in reducing methamphetamine use and corresponding methamphetamine-associated sexual risk among MSM. This pilot study is therefore designed to reflect the structure of such trials. We will enroll 90 sexually active, methamphetamine-dependent individuals who will be randomized 1:1 to receive aripiprazole (n=45) or placebo (n=45) for 12 weeks. Because we are testing a drug for a new indication in a new population, we will include extensive safety parameters, as done in prior studies of pharmacologic interventions among substance users. We will also include both urine testing and extensive behavioral risk assessments because we anticipate that future definitive efficacy trials will analyze both substance use and sexual risk behavior outcomes. Study participants will be seen at the San Francisco Department of Public Health AIDS Office where they will provide urines for drug testing and participate in substance use counseling. All participants will receive HIV risk-reduction counseling. Behavior will be assessed using standardized measures via audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI).
Study Type : | Interventional (Clinical Trial) |
Actual Enrollment : | 90 participants |
Allocation: | Randomized |
Intervention Model: | Parallel Assignment |
Masking: | Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor) |
Primary Purpose: | Treatment |
Official Title: | Aripiprazole Treatment for Methamphetamine Dependence Among High-risk Individuals |
Study Start Date : | March 2009 |
Actual Primary Completion Date : | March 2012 |
Actual Study Completion Date : | March 2012 |
Arm | Intervention/treatment |
---|---|
Experimental: Aripiprazole
Aripiprazole 5mg daily for week one. Aripiprazole 10mg daily for week two. Aripiprazole 20mg daily for weeks three through twelve.
|
Drug: Aripiprazole
Other Name: Abilify
|
Placebo Comparator: Placebo
Placebo (for Aripiprazole) 5mg daily for week one. Placebo (for Aripiprazole) 10mg daily for week two. Placebo (for Aripiprazole) 20mg daily for weeks three through twelve.
|
Drug: Placebo
Sugar pill manufactured to mimic Aripiprazole gel caps.
|
- To Test the Hypothesis That Aripiprazole 20 mg Daily Will Reduce Methamphetamine Use Significantly More Than Placebo Among Methamphetamine-dependent Individuals. [ Time Frame: Final study visit at week 12 ]To test the hypothesis that aripiprazole 20 mg daily will reduce methamphetamine use significantly more than placebo among methamphetamine-dependent individuals, as determined by the proportion of methamphetamine-positive urines in the aripiprazole versus placebo group.
- To Measure the Acceptability of Aripiprazole and Placebo Among Methamphetamine-dependent Individuals, by Determining (Via Electronic Pill Caps [MEMS or Medication Event Monitoring System]) Medication Adherence to Aripiprazole and Placebo. [ Time Frame: Adherence as determined by MEMS (throughout study, up to 12 weeks) ]To measure the acceptability of aripiprazole and placebo among methamphetamine-dependent individuals, by determining (via electronic pill caps [MEMS or Medication Event Monitoring System]) medication adherence to aripiprazole and placebo. (Percent adherence from MEMS is determined by 100* the number of days where MEMS registered an opening out of the number of days a dose was prescribed for each arm.)
- To Measure the Safety and Tolerability of Aripiprazole and Placebo Among Methamphetamine-dependent Individuals, as Determined by the Number of Adverse Clinical Events in the Aripiprazole and Placebo Arms. [ Time Frame: Total reported adverse events (throughout study, up to 12 weeks) ]

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
Ages Eligible for Study: | 18 Years to 60 Years (Adult) |
Sexes Eligible for Study: | All |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | No |
A total of 90 high-risk individuals with methamphetamine dependence will be enrolled in the study. Subjects will be San Francisco Bay Area residents between 18-60 years of age and in good health. The project is designed specifically for those at high risk for HIV transmission or acquisition.
Inclusion Criteria:
- HIV-negative by rapid test, or documentation of HIV infection with a laboratory result of a positive HIV test;
- diagnosed with methamphetamine dependence as determined by SCID;
- interested in stopping or reducing methamphetamine use;
- at least one methamphetamine-positive urine during screening and run-in period;
- no current acute illnesses requiring prolonged medical care;
- no chronic illnesses that are likely to progress clinically during trial participation;
- able and willing to provide informed consent and to be followed over trial period;
- age 18-60 years;
- baseline CBC, total protein, albumin, glucose, lipid panel, alk phos, creatinine, BUN, and electrolytes without clinically significant abnormalities as determined by investigator in conjunction with symptoms, physical exam, and medical history.
- if sex assigned at birth was female and able to become pregnant: agrees to use birth control by any of the following methods - hormonal patch, pills, or injections; IUD; diaphragm; condoms; or abstinence.
Exclusion Criteria:
- has a psychiatric disorder as assessed by SCID that in the opinion of evaluating clinician would make the study participation unsafe, or make adherence to study protocol untenable. Conditions include current major depression, current suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, dementia, or acute psychosis;
- taking psychotropic medication within the last 30 days, including aripiprazole;
- known allergy to aripiprazole, or known adverse reaction to antipsychotics;
- currently using or unwilling not to use phenylephrine or ephedrine-containing products for trial duration (can cause false positive urines for methamphetamine use);
- current CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3;
- using other medications known to interact with aripiprazole, including ketoconazole and carbamazepine;
- measured moderate or severe liver disease (AST, ALT, and total bilirubin > 3 times normal) and/or any symptoms of current liver disease;
- impaired renal function (creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min);
- diabetes mellitis type I or type II, including cases controlled with diet alone;
- Hypertension that is not well-controlled;
- BMI ≥ 40; or BMI ≥ 35 with more than one of the following: age > 45, systolic blood pressure > 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure > 90 mm Hg, known hyperlipidemia;
- History of, or known active cardiovascular disease including: (a) Previous myocardial infarction (heart attack); (b) angina pectoris; (c) congestive heart failure; (d) valvular heart disease including mitral valve prolapse; (e) cardiomyopathy; (f) pericarditis; (g) stroke or transient ischemic attack; (h) chest pain or shortness of breath with activity (such as walking up stairs); (i) peripheral vascular disease or risk equivalent; (j) other heart conditions under the care of a doctor;
- currently participating in another research study;
- pregnant, breast-feeding, and/or positive pregnancy test at screening or enrollment visit;
- any condition that, in the principal investigator's judgment, interferes with safe study participation or adherence to study procedures.

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00497055
United States, California | |
San Francisco Department of Public Health, AIDS Office | |
San Francisco, California, United States, 94102 |
Principal Investigator: | Phillip O Coffin, MD, MIA | Director of Substance Use Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health |
Publications of Results:
Responsible Party: | Phillip Coffin, MD, MIA, Director of Substance Use Research, San Francisco Department of Public Health |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT00497055 History of Changes |
Other Study ID Numbers: |
1R01DA022190-01 ( U.S. NIH Grant/Contract ) 1R01DA023387-01 ( U.S. NIH Grant/Contract ) DPMC ( Other Identifier: NIDA ) |
First Posted: | July 6, 2007 Key Record Dates |
Results First Posted: | March 24, 2014 |
Last Update Posted: | March 24, 2014 |
Last Verified: | February 2014 |
Keywords provided by Phillip Coffin, MD, MIA, San Francisco Department of Public Health:
Methamphetamine HIV MSM HIV Seronegativity |
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
HIV Infections Substance-Related Disorders Lentivirus Infections Retroviridae Infections RNA Virus Infections Virus Diseases Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral Sexually Transmitted Diseases Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes Immune System Diseases Chemically-Induced Disorders Mental Disorders Aripiprazole Methamphetamine Antipsychotic Agents |
Tranquilizing Agents Central Nervous System Depressants Physiological Effects of Drugs Psychotropic Drugs Central Nervous System Stimulants Sympathomimetics Autonomic Agents Peripheral Nervous System Agents Dopamine Agents Neurotransmitter Agents Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action Adrenergic Agents Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors Membrane Transport Modulators |