Abstract: We conducted a pilot study (N = 22) comparing the efficacy of desipramine and amantadine for treatment of cocaine dependence in methadone maintenance clients. The study which lasted 12 weeks, was double-blind, randomly assigned, and placebo-controlled. Subjects met DSM-III-R criteria for active cocaine dependence. All three groups’ cocaine use, craving, and depressive symptoms declined significantly, but intergroup differences were not significant. Clients receiving desipramine were significantly more likely to remain in treatment and to be cocaine free at study completion. The results emphasize the importance of delivering comprehensive services to the cocaine user in methadone treatment. Further evaluations of these two medications as adjuncts in the treatment of cocaine dependence are needed.

Abstract: Aim of the Study: To assess the long-term hepatitis C (HCV) treatment outcome in former injecting drug users (IDUs). Materials and Methods: A long-term follow-up of 27 former IDUs who had been successfully treated for chronic hepatitis C was performed. These patients represented ailiDUs who had obtained a sustained virological response in a Norwegian HCV treatment trial. The patients had been treated with interferon-a alone or in combinatlon with ribavirin. At 5 years’ follow-up the 27 IDUs were retested for HCV RNA and risk behaviour for HCV transmission after treatment was assessed. In the control group ail 18 non-IDUs who had obtained a sustained virological response in the same treatment trial were included. Results: At follow-up 13-82 months (median 64) after the end of treatment only one case of probable reinfection was seen among the 27 IUDs. No reoccur- rence of HCV was observed in the control group. The IDU who was HCV RNA positive at follow-up had continued injecting drugs and reported frequent needle sharing. At follow-up HCV of genotype 1a was detected in contrast to genotype 1b before treatment indicating that this patient was reinfected with HCV. A return to injecting drug use occurred in 9 (33%) of 27 IDUs. Conclusion: The long-term outcome of HCV treatment in former IDUs was excellent. Despite frequent reinitiation of drug injection ail but 1 remained HCV RNA negative.