Cocaine Abuse Treated with Phenelzine

Abstract

Cocaine abuse, a destructive and deadly worldwide problem, can be controlled effectively and inexpensively. Highly successful results in treating 26 cocaine-abusing patients, most of whom failed other treatment modalities, were achieved with the use of phenelzine (Nardil, Parke-Davis). Phenelzine was chosen because cocaine is contraindicated in patients taking the medication and also because it reduces the craving for cocaine. Phenelzine is thought to correct the biochemical defects caused by chronic cocaine use, namely the depletion of brain dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Failure of treatment of cocaine abuse with other pharmacological agents is also presented.