AMPT EFFECTS ON CUE-INDUCED CRAVING FOR COCAINE

The authors evaluated the effect of art acute reduction in catecholami ne synthesis, produced by alpha methyl para tyrosine (AMPT), on cue-in duced craving for cocaine in cocaine-dependent patients. AMPT and diph enhydramine were administered under double-blind conditions in a rando mized, crossover design. Two cue exposure sessions were conducted 1 we ek apart. Self-reported assessments of cocaine craving were administer ed before and after cue exposure. AMPT, but not diphenhydramine, signi ficantly decreased plasma levels of the dopamine metabolite, homovanil lic acid and the norepinephrine metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyle thylene glycol. However, AMPT's effects on cue-induced craving interac ted with the test-day order in a complex manner.