Addict Behav. 2003 Apr; 28(3): 437-48.

A pilot trial of piracetam and ginkgo biloba for the treatment of cocaine dependence.

Kampman K, Majewska MD, Tourian K, Dackis C, Cornish J, Poole S, O'Brien C.

Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. kampman_k@mail.trc.upenn.edu

BACKGROUND: Chronic cocaine use is associated with cognitive deficits that may reduce the effectiveness of psychosocial treatment and promote relapse in newly abstinent cocaine-dependent patients. Nootropic agents, such as piracetam and ginkgo biloba, may improve cognitive function and reduce the incidence of relapse in these patients. METHODS: This was a 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial involving 44 cocaine-dependent subjects. Subjects received either piracetam (4.8 g/day), ginkgo biloba (120 mg/day), or placebo. Subjects were required to attain abstinence from cocaine during a 2-week baseline phase demonstrated by providing at least one benzoylecgonine (BE)-negative urine toxicology screen. Outcome measures included treatment retention, urine toxicology screens, Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scores, and results from the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). RESULTS: Ginkgo biloba was not superior to placebo in any outcome measure. Piracetam was associated with more cocaine use and lower CGI scores compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Neither piracetam nor ginkgo biloba appears to be a promising medication for the treatment of cocaine dependence.