FLUOXETINE IN THE TREATMENT OF AMPHETAMINE DEPENDENCE

Evidence of increasing prevalence of amphetamine mis-use, with a concomitant increase in intravenous administration of the drug, highlights the need for better alternatives to the current pharmacological interventions available for the treatment of amphetamine withdrawal symptoms, and prevention of relapse. A number of amphetamine analogues are neurotoxic to serotonergic neural pathways. In addition, there is evidence of reduced activity in serotonergic pathways in individuals with antisocial personality disorder and substance abuse. We report on the use of fluoxetine in eight cases of whom four achieved abstinence. Three cases reported a reduction in amphetamine use and only one reported no change in the level of use. Control studies are indicated and the use of fluoxetine in relapse prevention warrants further investigation.