Safety and efficacy of bupropion combined with bromocriptine for treatment of cocaine dependence

Bupropion and bromocriptine have been used separately for treatment of cocaine dependence. This 8-week, open-label study tested the combination of bupropion and bromocriptine with the goal of obtaining an enhanced therapeutic effect with fewer side effects. Thirteen cocaine-dependent (DSM-III-R criteria) subjects received bupropion (≤ 300 mg) plus bromocriptine (≤ 7.5 mg) daily, in addition to weekly individual standardized counseling. No serious adverse events were reported. There were significant (P < 0.01) reductions between pretreatment and post-treatment for patients' self-reported weekly grams used, money spent on cocaine, and Beck Depression Inventory score; however, there were no significant changes in the results of urine toxicology tests for cocaine (qualitative and quantitative) or self-reported drug craving. These results suggest that the combination of bupropion and bromocriptine may be safe and have some efficacy in treatment of cocaine dependence.