Flupentixol-Induced Aversion to Crack Cocaine

Abstract

Reports that flupenthixol decanoate can cause transient, severely distressing, involuntary muscular restlessness and movement after crack-cocaine smoking that is associated with the subsequent cessation of crack use. In a clinical trial of the antidepressant effects of low-dose flupenthixol among 40 patients dependent on crack cocaine, 6 male patients (aged 25-46 yrs) who received a mean dose of 12 mg of flupenthixol had extreme akathisia after smoking cocaine. This report describes only accidental interactions, not intentional aversive therapy. Because flupenthixol may combine well-tolerated treatment with extremely aversive, yet safe and reversible, interactions with cocaine, the assessment of intentional aversion with flupenthixol is warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)