D-Cycloserine and Cocaine Cue Reactivity: Preliminary Findings

Background: D-cycloserine (DCS), a partial glutamate N-methyl- D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor agonist, enhances extinction of conditioned fear responding in rodents and facilitates exposure-based learning in humans with anxiety disorders. Objectives: This preliminary study investigates DCS pretreatment on response to cocaine cues in cocaine-dependent subjects. Methods: Ten cocaine-dependent subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 50 mg DCS or matching placebo two hours before each of two 1-hour cocaine cue exposure sessions one day apart. HR and craving ratings were obtained before and during cue exposure sessions. Results: There was a trend towards increased craving to cocaine cues in cocaine-dependent individuals after administration of DCS. Conclusions: The administration of DCS prior to cue exposure sessions may facilitate response activation. Scientific Significance: While facilitation of extinction-based learning by DCS may have therapeutic potential for cocaine dependence, this drug may exhibit a different profile in cocaine-dependent individuals as compared to those with anxiety disorders.