Title:Current and Emerging Treatments for Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Volume: 19
Issue: 12
Author(s): Anna Moszczynska*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48201,United States
Keywords:
Methamphetamine use disorder, psychotherapies, pharmacotherapies, addiction, clinical trials.
Abstract: Almost two decades have passed since the last methamphetamine (METH) abuse epidemic.
In recent years, METH abuse in the United States has been rapidly increasing and is currently
one of the leading causes of death in our country. Available statistical data indicates reemergence
of METH popularity and suggest an impending third epidemic of METH abuse. Alarmingly,
there is no FDA-approved medication for METH use disorder (MUD). This disorder is currently
treated with behavioral therapies; however, these therapies have limitations and would benefit
from the addition of a MUD pharmacotherapy. Unfortunately, clinical trials have not yet found consistently
effective pharmacotherapy for MUD. This review outlines the history of METH use, provides
information on current prevalence of METH abuse and MUD, describes medications that have
been in clinical trials for MUD, and addresses current as well as potential new treatments for MUD.
