Abstract

Background Methamphetamine use disorders are common and severe problems. Persons with mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, have high rates of substance use disorders. We previously reported promising findings on drug use, memory and study retention in patients with a history of mania and cocaine dependence given the nutritional supplement citicoline. In the current proof-of-concept study, we examined citicoline in bipolar or unipolar depression and methamphetamine dependence.

Methods Sixty adults with bipolar depression or major depressive disorder and methamphetamine dependence were randomized to citicoline (2000 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Mood was assessed using Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Clinician Version (IDS-C), and cognition with the Hopkins Auditory Verbal Learning Test (HVLT). Drug use was assessed by urine drug screens.

Results An ANCOVA of the intent-to-treat sample showed that those receiving citicoline (n=28) had a statistically significantly greater improvement in IDS-C scores than those receiving placebo (n=20). Survival in the study was significantly longer and completion rates significantly greater with citicoline than placebo. No significant differences were observed in memory or methamphetamine use. Citicoline was well tolerated.

Limitations Sample heterogeneity and small sample size were limitations.