Mirtazapine cuts meth use days more than placebo in adults with severe addiction

Many adults struggle to stop using methamphetamine, especially when their addiction is moderate to severe. There are currently no approved medicines to treat this specific condition. A new trial tested mirtazapine, a medication often used for depression or sleep issues, against a placebo in 344 adults across six Australian clinics. Participants took the drug daily for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see if it reduced the number of days they used meth in the past month. The results showed a clear difference. Those taking mirtazapine reduced their use by an average of 7.0 days. The placebo group reduced use by 4.8 days. This difference of 2.2 days was statistically significant. The study also looked at other outcomes like depression, insomnia, and HIV risk behavior. No unexpected safety concerns emerged during the trial. Some participants experienced drowsiness or weight gain, which are known side effects of this drug. About 23% of those on the drug stopped taking it due to side effects, compared to 15% on the placebo. Despite these minor issues, the reduction in drug use suggests this medicine could be a vital tool. It offers hope for a group of patients who have waited too long for a treatment option.