Pharmacogenetics of Doxazosin for Cocaine Dependence

Doxazosin, an alpha 1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, may play an important role in cocaine addiction in humans. This study will evaluate to what extent the prospective screening for catecholamine related polymorphisms for alpha 1 NE receptor/transporter, COMT and DBH as main targets predict the treatment efficacy of doxazosin for cocaine-using behavior.

Inclusion Criteria: (1) Signed informed consent form (2) Subject understands the risk and benefits and agrees to visit frequency and procedures (3) Male or female (4) Any race or ethnic origin (5)Diagnosis of cocaine-dependence according to DSM-IV criteria (6) between the ages of 18 and 64 (7)Must be current users of cocaine with self-reported use of cocaine at least once weekly for at least one month preceding study entry, cocaine-positive urine screen and score over 3 which is the cut-off for diagnosis of cocaine dependence as assessed with the Severity of Dependence Scale (Kaye & Darke 2002; Gossop, et al 1995; Gossop, et al. 1997) (8)Women of childbearing age are eligible to be included in the study if they have a negative pregnancy test at screening, agree to adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy, to have monthly pregnancy tests, and they understand the risk of fetal toxicity due to medication. Exclusion Criteria: (1)Current diagnosis of other drug , especially alcohol or benzodiazepine dependence or abuse (other than cocaine or tobacco) (2) Significant medical conditions (e.g., major cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, hepatic disorders) such as abnormal liver function (with laboratory findings of SGOT or SGPT greater than three times normal), hypotension or hypertension, a current cardiac condition, and those having a high risk of cardiovascular disease, seizure disorders, or another significant underlying medical condition which would contraindicate Doxazosin treatment (3)Lifetime schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic disorders (4) Actively considering plans of suicidality or homicidality (5) Current use of a prescribed psychotropic medication that cannot be discontinued (6) Women planning to become pregnant or breastfeed during the study, or refuse to use a reliable form of birth control or refuse monthly pregnancy testing (7) Subjects who are prescribed any anti-hypertension drugs, except thiazides, will be excluded because these medications may interact with Doxazosin's brain effects in reducing cocaine abuse.