The Effects of Quetiapine on Craving and Withdrawal Symptoms in Methamphetamine Abuse: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Patients with Methamphetamine Abuse (MA) are susceptible to many complications like craving, and withdrawal symptoms. These trials were designed to evaluate the effect of quetiapine administration on craving and withdrawal symptoms in MA abuse. Methods: This trial was conducted on 60 people with MA abuse to receive either 100 mg quetiapine (n=30), or placebo (n=30) every day for 2 months. The Desire for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ) and Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire (AWQ) scores were evaluated at baseline and after 2 months’ intervention. For data analysis, t test, and the Chi-square test were applied in SPSS v. 18. Results: Quetiapine significantly decreased DDQ (P=0.002) and AWQ symptoms (P=0.001) compared to the placebo. Furthermore, there was a significant difference among groups in terms of the frequency of negative urine tests (P<0.001). Conclusion: This trial showed that administration of quetiapine supplements for 2 months in individuals with MA abuse had beneficial effects on craving and withdrawal syndrome.