Psychostimulant Drugs – Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy of Addiction

Currently, no effective pharmacotherapy for psychostimulant abuse has indicated efficacy for long-term use. A better understanding of the neuropharmacological effects of cocaine and related psychostimulants has supported efforts to develop and improve useful medications for psychostimulant abuse and dependence. Functional agonist treatments may be used effectively to stabilize neurochemistry, influence behaviour and lead to long-term abstinence. Similarly, medications that target glutamatergic and GABAergic function are reasonable candidates that have received significant attention, and some have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing cocaine use and enhancing cocaine abstinence. However, these encouraging results will require additional clinical studies in order to identify safe and efficacious pharmacotherapies. Pharmacological mechanisms that may underline stimulants dependence were presented in this article. Furthermore, advances in pharmacotherapy were discussed.