Citicoline is a viable option to treat cocaine addiction in individuals with bipolar disorder, according to a study of 130 outpatients with bipolar 1 disorder and addiction to the drug.

Participants received either citicoline or placebo add-on therapy for 12 weeks. Investigators analyzed:

• urine drug screens that were collected three times each week

• mood, using three scales that measured depression and mania.

In the intent-to-treat sample (n= 61 in both groups), significant treatment group and “group-by-time” effects were seen. This was the case whether or not individuals who missed screens were assumed to be cocaine positive.

The group effect was most notable early, and became less so over time. The authors saw no differences in the treatment or placebo groups in terms of mood symptoms or side effects.

Citation: Trampush J, Lencz T, DeRosse P, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of citicoline for cocaine dependence in bipolar I disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2015;172(10):1014-1021.