Psychopharmacology for Cocaine Dependence - Buspirone

Sponsor
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (Other)
Overall Status
Completed
CT.gov ID
NCT01267292
Collaborator
(none)
50
1
2
57
0.9

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

Chronic cocaine use may produce disruption of neurotransmitter functions (including dopamine). This may in turn contribute to measurable dysfunction in important cognitive and behavioral processes. Stimulants that enhance dopamine (DA) function may help in treating cocaine dependence and improving behavioral function -- supporting the notion that these processes are related. An important step is to understand the subjective, physiological, and behavioral effects of potential medications for cocaine dependence.

DA-modulating drugs may be targets for pharmacotherapy for substance dependence, and particularly for stimulant drugs like cocaine, which disrupt normal DA function. Buspirone is currently the only available dopamine subtype 3 (DA3) approved for human administration, and is thus a viable investigational compound.

This project proposes to evaluate the DA-modulating effects of buspirone on behavioral deficiencies related to DA depletion. Accordingly, the project aims to characterize the effects of buspirone in individuals with cocaine dependence. Employing a daily dosing designs within an acute stimulant challenge (methylphenidate), the experiment will characterize the subjective effects, cardiovascular effects, and behavioral effects (attentional bias to drug cues and risky decision making). The primary hypotheses are that buspirone will attenuate the increases in subjective drug effects ("stimulated", "like drug") and behavioral effects (increases in attentional bias and risky decision making) that are produced by acute methylphenidate administration.

Condition or Disease Intervention/Treatment Phase
Phase 2

Detailed Description

Chronic cocaine use may produce disruption of monoamine systems (including dopamine). This may in turn contribute to measurable dysfunction in important cognitive and behavioral processes. Pharmacotherapy with stimulants that enhance dopamine (DA) function has shown efficacy in treating cocaine dependence and improving behavioral function -- supporting the notion that these processes are related. In the development of novel pharmacotherapies for cocaine dependence, an important step is a full characterization of the psychopharmacological properties of potential medications for cocaine dependence, including subjective, physiological, and behavioral effects. Selective medications may play a key role in the modulation of DA neurotransmission by enhancing DA receptor activation.

The D3 receptor is an autoreceptor that may function to control phasic DA activity and mediate sensitization of DA agonists, thus playing a role in conditioning of drugs of abuse like cocaine. Growing evidence suggests that D3 receptor antagonists may be targets for pharmacotherapy for substance dependence, and particularly for stimulant drugs like cocaine, which disrupt normal DA function. Importantly, administration of D3 antagonists may disrupt reactivity (attention) to drug cues and attenuate cue-induced craving. Buspirone is currently the only available D3 antagonist approved for human administration, and is thus a viable investigational compound.

This project proposes to evaluate the potential pharmacotherapeutic action of the D3 antagonist buspirone. The DA-modulating effects of buspirone may help with affective and behavioral deficiencies related to DA depletion. Accordingly, the project aims to characterize the psychopharmacology of buspirone in individuals with cocaine dependence. Employing chronic dosing designs within an acute stimulant challenge (methylphenidate), the experiment will be conducted using well-established psychopharmacological methods in order to characterize the shape and magnitude of chronic pretreatment-mediated change in the methylphenidate dose-response curve. Measures will include subjective effects, cardiovascular effects, and behavioral effects (attentional bias to drug cues and risky decision making). These data will compliment and provide valuable information to clinical trials using these agents to treat cocaine dependence.

Study Design

Study Type:
Interventional
Actual Enrollment :
50 participants
Allocation:
Randomized
Intervention Model:
Parallel Assignment
Masking:
Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary Purpose:
Basic Science
Official Title:
Psychopharmacology of Novel Medications for Cocaine Dependence - Buspirone
Study Start Date :
Mar 1, 2011
Actual Primary Completion Date :
Dec 1, 2015
Actual Study Completion Date :
Dec 1, 2015

Arms and Interventions

Arm Intervention/Treatment
Experimental: Buspirone plus Methylphenidate

[week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]

Drug: Buspirone
[week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday] [weeks 2-3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday]
Other Names:
  • Buspar
  • Drug: Methylphenidate
    Methylphenidate serves as an acute stimulant challenge. [week 1: no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Other Names:
  • Ritalin
  • Drug: Placebo for Methylphenidate
    [week 1: no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Other Names:
  • corn starch
  • Placebo Comparator: Placebo for Buspirone plus Methylphenidate

    [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]

    Drug: Placebo for Buspirone
    [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday] [weeks 2-3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday]
    Other Names:
  • corn starch
  • Drug: Methylphenidate
    Methylphenidate serves as an acute stimulant challenge. [week 1: no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Other Names:
  • Ritalin
  • Drug: Placebo for Methylphenidate
    [week 1: no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Other Names:
  • corn starch
  • Outcome Measures

    Primary Outcome Measures

    1. Attentional Bias as Assessed by Score on the Stroop Task [1 time a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 1 time a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3]

      The mean score over all 4 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., a summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 1 data point for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 20 data points per dose level per arm. The Stroop task assesses attentional biases to cocaine-related (drug-related) and rewarding (non-drug related) stimuli vs. neutral stimuli. Participants are instructed to respond to words shown in different colors on the screen, by pressing as quickly and accurately as possible on one of three colored buttons. Attentional bias is measured as the difference in reaction times on cocaine vs. neutral words. The reported score is a difference score in milliseconds (cocaine minus neutral), in which positive means slower to respond to cocaine and thus greater attentional bias, and negative means no attentional bias to cocaine words.

    2. Risky Decision Making as Assessed by Score on the Risky Decision Making Task [1 time a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 1 time a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3]

      The mean score over all 4 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., a summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 1 data point for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 20 data points per dose level per arm. The risky decision making task provides subjects with three choice options on each of 100 repeated trials. Options are low, moderate, and high risk, based on variance and probability in gain/loss amounts. The low risk option is more adaptive over many trials. The outcome measure is a risk index (ranging from 0.33 to 100) that factors in tolerance for variability and amount of gains and losses across the three options. 100 is highest risk. 0.33 is lowest risk.

    Secondary Outcome Measures

    1. Subjective Effects as Assessed by the Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI) [11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3]

      The ARCI short form will be used. It is a 49-item true / false questionnaire that has been empirically-derived to assess five different factors, including euphoria, sedation, and dysphoria. The PCAG scale has proven to be a sensitive measure of subjective effects in many studies administering stimulant drugs.

    2. Subjective Effects as Assessed by Score on the Vigor Subscale of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) [11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3]

      The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. The POMS is a self-rating measure of current mood, consisting of six subscales demonstrated to be sensitive to a range of acute drug effects, including amphetamine, cocaine, and caffeine. The six subscales are: depression, vigor, confusion, tension, anxiety, and fatigue. A 37-item short form of the POMS was used, which correlates highly with the full scale. The vigor subscale is reported, and the vigor subscale score ranges from 0 to 28, with 28 representing the highest score for that mood state. The higher the value, the worse the outcome.

    3. Subjective Effects as Assessed by Score on the "Feel High" Subscale of the Drug Effects Questionnaire (DEQ) [11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3]

      The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. The DEQ is a visual analog scale questionnaire that assesses the extent to which subjects experience four subjective states: "Feel Drug," "Feel High," "Like Drug," and "Want More." The "Feel High" subscale is reported, and this subscale is scored on a visual analogue scale (scroll bar on computer screen) ranging from 0-100. 100 represents the highest score for that subjective state, and the higher the score, the worse the outcome.

    4. Subjective Effects as Assessed by the "Elated" Subscale of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) [11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3]

      The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. The VAS presents 100-mm horizontal lines labeled with an adjective: "stimulated," "high," "anxious," "elated," "hungry," and "nauseated." The "elated" subscale is reported, and this sub scale is anchored by "not at all" (0) on the left and "extremely" (100) on the right, with a score range of 0-100. The higher the score, the worse the outcome.

    5. Heart Rate [11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3]

      The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. Heart rate is the measure of heart beats per minute.

    6. Systolic Blood Pressure [11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3]

      The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. Systolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure in the arteries during contraction of the heart muscle.

    7. Diastolic Blood Pressure [11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3]

      The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. Diastolic blood pressure is the blood pressure when the heart muscle is between beats.

    8. Rapid Response Inhibition as Assessed by the Immediate Memory Task (IMT) [baseline]

      Subjects are required to respond selectively to a series of stimuli (e.g., numbers) presented briefly for 500 ms with a 500 ms intertrial interval (ITI). Increases in false alarm rates are interpreted as failures in response inhibition. Five digit numbers are presented on a computer screen every 500 ms sec. Subjects are instructed to respond when the first number of a set was repeated. A "hit" response is scored when a subject correctly responds. Distracters consist of five-digit numbers that are completely different from the first, and numbers in which four of the five digits match the original, with the non-matching number occurring randomly across the five digit places. A response to the number with 4 of 5 digits correct is scored as a "false alarm." The a-prime value reflects the ability of the participant to discriminate between signal (Go stimulus) and noise (No-Go stimulus) and ranges from 0.5 (chance level) to 1 (perfect discrimination).

    9. Rapid Response Inhibition as Assessed by the Immediate Memory Task (IMT) [Thursday of week 1]

      Subjects are required to respond selectively to a series of stimuli (e.g., numbers) presented briefly for 500 ms with a 500 ms intertrial interval (ITI). Increases in false alarm rates are interpreted as failures in response inhibition. Five digit numbers are presented on a computer screen every 500 ms sec. Subjects are instructed to respond when the first number of a set was repeated. A "hit" response is scored when a subject correctly responds. Distracters consist of five-digit numbers that are completely different from the first, and numbers in which four of the five digits match the original, with the non-matching number occurring randomly across the five digit places. A response to the number with 4 of 5 digits correct is scored as a "false alarm." The a-prime value reflects the ability of the participant to discriminate between signal (Go stimulus) and noise (No-Go stimulus) and ranges from 0.5 (chance level) to 1 (perfect discrimination).

    10. Rapid Response Inhibition as Assessed by the Immediate Memory Task (IMT) [Monday of week 4]

      Subjects are required to respond selectively to a series of stimuli (e.g., numbers) presented briefly for 500 ms with a 500 ms intertrial interval (ITI). Increases in false alarm rates are interpreted as failures in response inhibition. Five digit numbers are presented on a computer screen every 500 ms sec. Subjects are instructed to respond when the first number of a set was repeated. A "hit" response is scored when a subject correctly responds. Distracters consist of five-digit numbers that are completely different from the first, and numbers in which four of the five digits match the original, with the non-matching number occurring randomly across the five digit places. A response to the number with 4 of 5 digits correct is scored as a "false alarm." The a-prime value reflects the ability of the participant to discriminate between signal (Go stimulus) and noise (No-Go stimulus) and ranges from 0.5 (chance level) to 1 (perfect discrimination).

    11. Reversal Learning as Assessed by Number of Perseverative Errors on the Reversal Learning Task [baseline]

      The task is a rapid-presentation, probablistic gain/loss design. Reversal learning is assessed by means of a simple computerized card game. The paradigm utilizes a visual discrimination task where subjects have to learn to respond to outcome contingencies between two stimuli (high probability gain/low probability loss vs. low probability gain/high probability loss). At an unsignaled time point halfway into testing, the contingencies are reversed; the losing card becomes the winning card and the winning card becomes the losing one. Visual feedback regarding win or loss ($0.20) is provided after each trial and the cumulative total gained/lost is also shown. Using trial-and-error feedback, subjects have to discover which of the two patterns is correct and are instructed to win as much money as possible. The duration of the task is approximately 10 minutes, consisting of 80 trials.

    12. Reversal Learning as Assessed by Number of Perseverative Errors on the Reversal Learning Task [Thursday of week 1]

      The task is a rapid-presentation, probablistic gain/loss design. Reversal learning is assessed by means of a simple computerized card game. The paradigm utilizes a visual discrimination task where subjects have to learn to respond to outcome contingencies between two stimuli (high probability gain/low probability loss vs. low probability gain/high probability loss). At an unsignaled time point halfway into testing, the contingencies are reversed; the losing card becomes the winning card and the winning card becomes the losing one. Visual feedback regarding win or loss ($0.20) is provided after each trial and the cumulative total gained/lost is also shown. Using trial-and-error feedback, subjects have to discover which of the two patterns is correct and are instructed to win as much money as possible. The duration of the task is approximately 10 minutes, consisting of 80 trials.

    13. Reversal Learning as Assessed by Number of Perseverative Errors on the Reversal Learning Task [Monday of week 4]

      The task is a rapid-presentation, probablistic gain/loss design. Reversal learning is assessed by means of a simple computerized card game. The paradigm utilizes a visual discrimination task where subjects have to learn to respond to outcome contingencies between two stimuli (high probability gain/low probability loss vs. low probability gain/high probability loss). At an unsignaled time point halfway into testing, the contingencies are reversed; the losing card becomes the winning card and the winning card becomes the losing one. Visual feedback regarding win or loss ($0.20) is provided after each trial and the cumulative total gained/lost is also shown. Using trial-and-error feedback, subjects have to discover which of the two patterns is correct and are instructed to win as much money as possible. The duration of the task is approximately 10 minutes, consisting of 80 trials.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Criteria

    Ages Eligible for Study:
    18 Years to 60 Years
    Sexes Eligible for Study:
    All
    Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
    No
    Inclusion Criteria:
    • cocaine dependent subjects, non-treatment seeking

    • meet current DSM-IV criteria for cocaine dependence disorder

    • report using cocaine within the past 30 days

    • at least 1 positive urine toxicology screen for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine (BE) [300 ng/mL, during the initial (2-4 day) screening period

    • acceptable health on the basis of interview, medical history, and physical exam

    • able to understand the consent form and provide written informed consent.

    Exclusion Criteria:
    • currently dependent on any psychoactive substance other than cocaine or nicotine

    • current DSM-IV diagnosed major psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychosis, bipolar, major depressive disorder)

    • any medical condition that would contraindicate administration of medications

    • taking medications known to have significant drug interactions study medications

    • probation / parole requiring reports of drug use to court officers

    • pregnant or nursing for female patients

    • cannot read, write, or speak English.

    Contacts and Locations

    Locations

    Site City State Country Postal Code
    1 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Houston Texas United States 77030

    Sponsors and Collaborators

    • The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

    Investigators

    • Principal Investigator: Scott D Lane, Ph.D., The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

    Study Documents (Full-Text)

    None provided.

    More Information

    Publications

    None provided.
    Responsible Party:
    Scott Lane, Professor - Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
    NCT01267292
    Other Study ID Numbers:
    • NIDA-P50-09262-Project2.1
    First Posted:
    Dec 28, 2010
    Last Update Posted:
    May 4, 2017
    Last Verified:
    May 1, 2017
    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product:
    Yes
    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product:
    No
    Product Manufactured in and Exported from the U.S.:
    No
    Keywords provided by Scott Lane, Professor - Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
    Additional relevant MeSH terms:

    Study Results

    Participant Flow

    Recruitment Details
    Pre-assignment Detail
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Period Title: Overall Study
    STARTED 24 26
    COMPLETED 20 20
    NOT COMPLETED 4 6

    Baseline Characteristics

    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Total
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] Total of all reporting groups
    Overall Participants 20 20 40
    Age (years) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [years]
    41.7
    (7.82)
    44.15
    (7.23)
    42.925
    (7.525)
    Sex: Female, Male (Count of Participants)
    Female
    18
    90%
    16
    80%
    34
    85%
    Male
    2
    10%
    4
    20%
    6
    15%
    Region of Enrollment (participants) [Number]
    United States
    20
    100%
    20
    100%
    40
    100%
    Attentional Bias as assessed by score on the Stroop task (milliseconds) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [milliseconds]
    12.39759
    (70.25051)
    28.67933
    (69.99501)
    20.53846
    (70.12276)
    Risky decision making as assessed by score on the risky decision making task (units on a scale) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [units on a scale]
    9.778235
    (7.368139)
    8.945935
    (5.512101)
    9.362085
    (6.44012)
    Subjective Effects as assessed by score on the Vigor Subscale of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) (units on a scale) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [units on a scale]
    5.989247
    (6.306573)
    5.080925
    (5.594259)
    5.535086
    (5.950416)
    Subjective Effects as assessed by Score on "Feel High" Subscale of the Drug Effects Questionnaire (units on a scale) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [units on a scale]
    15.32065
    (25.31205)
    8.128655
    (17.20622)
    11.7246525
    (21.259135)
    Subjective Effects as assessed by the "elated" subscale of the visual analogue scale (VAS) (units on a scale) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [units on a scale]
    22.00538
    (26.22491)
    20.4593
    (26.25991)
    21.23234
    (26.24241)
    Heart rate (beats per minute) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [beats per minute]
    65.42781
    (11.223)
    64.44886
    (11.28527)
    64.938335
    (11.254135)
    Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [mmHg]
    117.4813
    (14.13086)
    113.2727
    (11.94963)
    115.377
    (13.040245)
    Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) [Mean (Standard Deviation) ]
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [mmHg]
    74.52406
    (8.30489)
    75.34091
    (8.234265)
    74.932485
    (8.2695775)

    Outcome Measures

    1. Primary Outcome
    Title Attentional Bias as Assessed by Score on the Stroop Task
    Description The mean score over all 4 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., a summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 1 data point for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 20 data points per dose level per arm. The Stroop task assesses attentional biases to cocaine-related (drug-related) and rewarding (non-drug related) stimuli vs. neutral stimuli. Participants are instructed to respond to words shown in different colors on the screen, by pressing as quickly and accurately as possible on one of three colored buttons. Attentional bias is measured as the difference in reaction times on cocaine vs. neutral words. The reported score is a difference score in milliseconds (cocaine minus neutral), in which positive means slower to respond to cocaine and thus greater attentional bias, and negative means no attentional bias to cocaine words.
    Time Frame 1 time a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 1 time a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    15 mg methylphenidate
    -13.90333
    (62.76434)
    27.118
    (58.84988)
    30 mg methylphenidate
    -9.361269
    (30.66139)
    15.35407
    (66.51272)
    60 mg methylphenidate
    15.59167
    (142.0095)
    23.28063
    (42.25839)
    0 mg methylphenidate
    4.688844
    (30.59728)
    41.22625
    (74.82985)
    2. Primary Outcome
    Title Risky Decision Making as Assessed by Score on the Risky Decision Making Task
    Description The mean score over all 4 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., a summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 1 data point for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 20 data points per dose level per arm. The risky decision making task provides subjects with three choice options on each of 100 repeated trials. Options are low, moderate, and high risk, based on variance and probability in gain/loss amounts. The low risk option is more adaptive over many trials. The outcome measure is a risk index (ranging from 0.33 to 100) that factors in tolerance for variability and amount of gains and losses across the three options. 100 is highest risk. 0.33 is lowest risk.
    Time Frame 1 time a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 1 time a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    15mg Methylphenidate
    9.126667
    (5.094545)
    10.07396
    (5.44448)
    30mg Methylphenidate
    10.77167
    (6.58645)
    9.699333
    (6.334753)
    60mg Methylphenidate
    8.946263
    (6.947867)
    7.889825
    (5.277534)
    0mg Methylphenidate
    11.415
    (6.147164)
    8.715333
    (6.34345)
    3. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Effects as Assessed by the Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI)
    Description The ARCI short form will be used. It is a 49-item true / false questionnaire that has been empirically-derived to assess five different factors, including euphoria, sedation, and dysphoria. The PCAG scale has proven to be a sensitive measure of subjective effects in many studies administering stimulant drugs.
    Time Frame 11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    ARCI data were not collected.
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 0 0
    4. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Effects as Assessed by Score on the Vigor Subscale of the Profile of Mood States (POMS)
    Description The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. The POMS is a self-rating measure of current mood, consisting of six subscales demonstrated to be sensitive to a range of acute drug effects, including amphetamine, cocaine, and caffeine. The six subscales are: depression, vigor, confusion, tension, anxiety, and fatigue. A 37-item short form of the POMS was used, which correlates highly with the full scale. The vigor subscale is reported, and the vigor subscale score ranges from 0 to 28, with 28 representing the highest score for that mood state. The higher the value, the worse the outcome.
    Time Frame 11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    15mg Methylphenidate
    4.609626
    (5.775599)
    3.770115
    (4.558423)
    30mg Methylphenidate
    9.924324
    (6.630357)
    6.268571
    (5.721696)
    60mg Methylphenidate
    4.745946
    (5.702335)
    5.874286
    (5.866932)
    0mg Methylphenidate
    6.16129
    (6.520306)
    5.735632
    (5.360873)
    5. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Effects as Assessed by Score on the "Feel High" Subscale of the Drug Effects Questionnaire (DEQ)
    Description The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. The DEQ is a visual analog scale questionnaire that assesses the extent to which subjects experience four subjective states: "Feel Drug," "Feel High," "Like Drug," and "Want More." The "Feel High" subscale is reported, and this subscale is scored on a visual analogue scale (scroll bar on computer screen) ranging from 0-100. 100 represents the highest score for that subjective state, and the higher the score, the worse the outcome.
    Time Frame 11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    15mg Methylphenidate
    9.322581
    (17.49543)
    9.178161
    (17.58439)
    30mg Methylphenidate
    12.71351
    (22.32222)
    10.78857
    (17.63701)
    60mg Methylphenidate
    5.886486
    (15.6564)
    9.846591
    (20.80863)
    0mg Methylphenidate
    10.39785
    (17.27747)
    4.508671
    (13.15631)
    6. Secondary Outcome
    Title Subjective Effects as Assessed by the "Elated" Subscale of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
    Description The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. The VAS presents 100-mm horizontal lines labeled with an adjective: "stimulated," "high," "anxious," "elated," "hungry," and "nauseated." The "elated" subscale is reported, and this sub scale is anchored by "not at all" (0) on the left and "extremely" (100) on the right, with a score range of 0-100. The higher the score, the worse the outcome.
    Time Frame 11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    15mg Methylphenidate
    11.48128
    (21.53051)
    19.53448
    (23.74495)
    30mg Methylphenidate
    28.72973
    (29.45967)
    21.42045
    (25.17651)
    60mg Methylphenidate
    14.54595
    (24.1708)
    21.81143
    (27.00221)
    0mg Methylphenidate
    21.95676
    (25.58082)
    14.89017
    (25.46919)
    7. Secondary Outcome
    Title Heart Rate
    Description The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. Heart rate is the measure of heart beats per minute.
    Time Frame 11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    15mg Methylphenidate
    66.84492
    (13.48406)
    67.75568
    (14.40208)
    30mg Methylphenidate
    66.43316
    (13.03261)
    68.26136
    (12.89296)
    60mg Methylphenidate
    66.36364
    (10.55586)
    69.13068
    (13.71256)
    0mg Methylphenidate
    63.21925
    (9.372807)
    69.60795
    (12.09863)
    8. Secondary Outcome
    Title Systolic Blood Pressure
    Description The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. Systolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure in the arteries during contraction of the heart muscle.
    Time Frame 11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    15mg Methylphenidate
    118.0856
    (11.56065)
    115.9205
    (9.891666)
    30mg Methylphenidate
    114.8396
    (10.86901)
    120.4545
    (12.3153)
    60mg Methylphenidate
    114.3904
    (12.69334)
    113.6932
    (10.50046)
    0mg Methylphenidate
    114.7914
    (12.56828)
    115.6932
    (10.68976)
    9. Secondary Outcome
    Title Diastolic Blood Pressure
    Description The mean score over all 44 time points is reported in this outcome measure (i.e., the summary score is reported). Each subject contributed 11 data points for each dose level of Methylphenidate (15mg, 30mg, 60mg, or 0mg), resulting in a total of 220 data points per dose level per arm. Diastolic blood pressure is the blood pressure when the heart muscle is between beats.
    Time Frame 11 times a day on Wednesday and Friday of week 2; 11 times a day on Monday and Wednesday of week 3

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    15mg Methylphenidate
    74.72727
    (8.177168)
    76.71591
    (6.985616)
    30mg Methylphenidate
    74.56684
    (8.160986)
    78.53409
    (8.962077)
    60mg Methylphenidate
    73
    (9.153999)
    75.5625
    (7.56583)
    0mg Methylphenidate
    72.92513
    (9.052699)
    76.88636
    (7.938955)
    10. Secondary Outcome
    Title Rapid Response Inhibition as Assessed by the Immediate Memory Task (IMT)
    Description Subjects are required to respond selectively to a series of stimuli (e.g., numbers) presented briefly for 500 ms with a 500 ms intertrial interval (ITI). Increases in false alarm rates are interpreted as failures in response inhibition. Five digit numbers are presented on a computer screen every 500 ms sec. Subjects are instructed to respond when the first number of a set was repeated. A "hit" response is scored when a subject correctly responds. Distracters consist of five-digit numbers that are completely different from the first, and numbers in which four of the five digits match the original, with the non-matching number occurring randomly across the five digit places. A response to the number with 4 of 5 digits correct is scored as a "false alarm." The a-prime value reflects the ability of the participant to discriminate between signal (Go stimulus) and noise (No-Go stimulus) and ranges from 0.5 (chance level) to 1 (perfect discrimination).
    Time Frame baseline

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [a-prime]
    0.8327941
    (0.1418202)
    0.8498438
    (0.0854399)
    11. Secondary Outcome
    Title Rapid Response Inhibition as Assessed by the Immediate Memory Task (IMT)
    Description Subjects are required to respond selectively to a series of stimuli (e.g., numbers) presented briefly for 500 ms with a 500 ms intertrial interval (ITI). Increases in false alarm rates are interpreted as failures in response inhibition. Five digit numbers are presented on a computer screen every 500 ms sec. Subjects are instructed to respond when the first number of a set was repeated. A "hit" response is scored when a subject correctly responds. Distracters consist of five-digit numbers that are completely different from the first, and numbers in which four of the five digits match the original, with the non-matching number occurring randomly across the five digit places. A response to the number with 4 of 5 digits correct is scored as a "false alarm." The a-prime value reflects the ability of the participant to discriminate between signal (Go stimulus) and noise (No-Go stimulus) and ranges from 0.5 (chance level) to 1 (perfect discrimination).
    Time Frame Thursday of week 1

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [a-prime]
    0.8673529
    (0.0764632)
    0.8551562
    (0.0849648)
    12. Secondary Outcome
    Title Rapid Response Inhibition as Assessed by the Immediate Memory Task (IMT)
    Description Subjects are required to respond selectively to a series of stimuli (e.g., numbers) presented briefly for 500 ms with a 500 ms intertrial interval (ITI). Increases in false alarm rates are interpreted as failures in response inhibition. Five digit numbers are presented on a computer screen every 500 ms sec. Subjects are instructed to respond when the first number of a set was repeated. A "hit" response is scored when a subject correctly responds. Distracters consist of five-digit numbers that are completely different from the first, and numbers in which four of the five digits match the original, with the non-matching number occurring randomly across the five digit places. A response to the number with 4 of 5 digits correct is scored as a "false alarm." The a-prime value reflects the ability of the participant to discriminate between signal (Go stimulus) and noise (No-Go stimulus) and ranges from 0.5 (chance level) to 1 (perfect discrimination).
    Time Frame Monday of week 4

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [a-prime]
    0.8569118
    (0.0773489)
    0.8695347
    (0.0723827)
    13. Secondary Outcome
    Title Reversal Learning as Assessed by Number of Perseverative Errors on the Reversal Learning Task
    Description The task is a rapid-presentation, probablistic gain/loss design. Reversal learning is assessed by means of a simple computerized card game. The paradigm utilizes a visual discrimination task where subjects have to learn to respond to outcome contingencies between two stimuli (high probability gain/low probability loss vs. low probability gain/high probability loss). At an unsignaled time point halfway into testing, the contingencies are reversed; the losing card becomes the winning card and the winning card becomes the losing one. Visual feedback regarding win or loss ($0.20) is provided after each trial and the cumulative total gained/lost is also shown. Using trial-and-error feedback, subjects have to discover which of the two patterns is correct and are instructed to win as much money as possible. The duration of the task is approximately 10 minutes, consisting of 80 trials.
    Time Frame baseline

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [number of perseverative errors]
    14.41176
    (8.155204)
    10.625
    (8.023923)
    14. Secondary Outcome
    Title Reversal Learning as Assessed by Number of Perseverative Errors on the Reversal Learning Task
    Description The task is a rapid-presentation, probablistic gain/loss design. Reversal learning is assessed by means of a simple computerized card game. The paradigm utilizes a visual discrimination task where subjects have to learn to respond to outcome contingencies between two stimuli (high probability gain/low probability loss vs. low probability gain/high probability loss). At an unsignaled time point halfway into testing, the contingencies are reversed; the losing card becomes the winning card and the winning card becomes the losing one. Visual feedback regarding win or loss ($0.20) is provided after each trial and the cumulative total gained/lost is also shown. Using trial-and-error feedback, subjects have to discover which of the two patterns is correct and are instructed to win as much money as possible. The duration of the task is approximately 10 minutes, consisting of 80 trials.
    Time Frame Thursday of week 1

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [number of perseverative errors]
    11.78154
    (12.04489)
    14.13049
    (15.27429)
    15. Secondary Outcome
    Title Reversal Learning as Assessed by Number of Perseverative Errors on the Reversal Learning Task
    Description The task is a rapid-presentation, probablistic gain/loss design. Reversal learning is assessed by means of a simple computerized card game. The paradigm utilizes a visual discrimination task where subjects have to learn to respond to outcome contingencies between two stimuli (high probability gain/low probability loss vs. low probability gain/high probability loss). At an unsignaled time point halfway into testing, the contingencies are reversed; the losing card becomes the winning card and the winning card becomes the losing one. Visual feedback regarding win or loss ($0.20) is provided after each trial and the cumulative total gained/lost is also shown. Using trial-and-error feedback, subjects have to discover which of the two patterns is correct and are instructed to win as much money as possible. The duration of the task is approximately 10 minutes, consisting of 80 trials.
    Time Frame Monday of week 4

    Outcome Measure Data

    Analysis Population Description
    [Not Specified]
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate Placebo for Buspirone Plus Methylphenidate
    Arm/Group Description [week 1: Buspirone 30 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Buspirone 45 mg twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 1: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; no Methylphenidate or Methylphenidate placebo] [week 2: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; 0mg Methylphenidate (placebo for Methylphenidate) on Monday at 10am; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Wednesday and Friday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)] [week 3: Placebo for Buspirone twice a day (9am and 6pm) on Monday through Sunday; Methylphenidate once a day (10am) on Monday and Wednesday, and on each of these 2 days the Methylphenidate dose will be different (15 mg, 30mg, 60 mg, or 0mg)]
    Measure Participants 20 20
    Mean (Standard Deviation) [number of perseverative errors]
    10.88235
    (8.305739)
    14.69598
    (16.61123)

    Adverse Events

    Time Frame 3 weeks
    Adverse Event Reporting Description
    Arm/Group Title Buspirone Placebo
    Arm/Group Description week 1: Buspirone 30 mg BID weeks 2-3: Buspirone 45 mg BID Buspirone: week 1 = 30 mg BID weeks 2-3 = 45 mg BID week 1: Placebo BID weeks 2-3: Placebo BID Placebo: week 1 = placebo BID weeks 2-3 = placebo BID
    All Cause Mortality
    Buspirone Placebo
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total / (NaN) / (NaN)
    Serious Adverse Events
    Buspirone Placebo
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total 0/20 (0%) 0/20 (0%)
    Other (Not Including Serious) Adverse Events
    Buspirone Placebo
    Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
    Total 0/20 (0%) 1/20 (5%)
    Cardiac disorders
    Elevated Blood pressure (transient) 0/20 (0%) 0 1/20 (5%) 1
    Gastrointestinal disorders
    Upset stomach/nausea 0/20 (0%) 0 1/20 (5%) 1

    Limitations/Caveats

    [Not Specified]

    More Information

    Certain Agreements

    All Principal Investigators ARE employed by the organization sponsoring the study.

    There is NOT an agreement between Principal Investigators and the Sponsor (or its agents) that restricts the PI's rights to discuss or publish trial results after the trial is completed.

    Results Point of Contact

    Name/Title Scott Lane, PhD
    Organization The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
    Phone 713-486-2535
    Email Scott.D.Lane@uth.tmc.edu
    Responsible Party:
    Scott Lane, Professor - Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
    ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
    NCT01267292
    Other Study ID Numbers:
    • NIDA-P50-09262-Project2.1
    First Posted:
    Dec 28, 2010
    Last Update Posted:
    May 4, 2017
    Last Verified:
    May 1, 2017