Lithium Cannabis Withdrawal Study

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2006-09-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

This trial will examine the efficacy of lithium in providing symptomatic relief from the withdrawal discomfort experienced by some dependent users of cannabis on cessation of regular use. Significant withdrawal may be a barrier to achieving abstinence in some clients and can be associated with marked disturbances in mood, sleep, hostility and aggression. Relief from such symptoms may be important in helping some clients achieve a period of abstinence and facilitate subsequent entry into a relapse prevention program.

• Phase: Phase 2
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Sydney South West Area Health Service
• Collaborator: The University of New South Wales
• Treatments: Lithium Carbonate

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• DSM-IV diagnosis of cannabis dependence with at least a three-month history.

• Seeking treatment for primary cannabis problem

• Withdrawal identified as barrier to abstinence

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other drug dependency (excluding nicotine)

• Client is breastfeeding or pregnant.

• Client has contraindicated medical or psychiatric conditions.

• Client currently taking other medications that may interact with lithium.

• Known hypersensitivity / side effects with Lithium.

• Currently receiving Lithium from another source.

• Currently prescribed any antidepressant / mood stabilising / antipsychotic medication.

• Currently receiving opioid pharmacotherapy.