Case Series: Cariprazine for treatment of methamphetamine use disorder. Issue 1 (29th October 2021) - Truong, Thanh Thuy
Abstract: Background and Objectives: Methamphetamine use is a major source of morbidity and mortality but has no reliably effective interventions. We identified cariprazine as an option for treatment of methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) and present two cases. Methods: Two patients with MUD and psychotic disorders were treated with cariprazine. Abstinence and cravings were assessed using urine drug screens and the Brief Substance Craving Scale, respectively. Results: Both patients reported global functional improvement, reduction in methamphetamine cravings and use with cariprazine, confirmed with negative urine drug screens. Conclusions and Scientific Significance: Cariprazine's unique pharmacodynamic profile conveys potential efficacy for MUD. It would be a novel treatment that targets multiple psychiatric symptoms seen in MUD.