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What drugs are used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapies for quitting cocaine?

a) Antipsychotics
b) Antidepressants
c) Opioid agonists
d) Benzodiazepines

1 Answer

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Final answer:

To aid in quitting cocaine use, cognitive-behavioral therapies may be supplemented with antidepressants. No medication has FDA approval specifically for cocaine dependency, but off-label use of antidepressants can help in managing cocaine addiction. Cocaine itself acts as an agonist, as it increases dopamine levels by blocking its reuptake.

Step-by-step explanation:

For individuals seeking to quit cocaine use, a comprehensive approach typically includes cognitive-behavioral therapies in conjunction with certain pharmaceutics. Antidepressants are often used in this context. While the use of medications such as antipsychotics, opioid agonists, and benzodiazepines might be relevant for other conditions or substance dependencies, antidepressants can be an adjunct treatment in cocaine cessation to alleviate depressive symptoms and other side effects of withdrawal. It is important to note that no medication has been specifically approved by the FDA for cocaine addiction, but off-label use of antidepressants has shown some promise in helping manage cocaine dependence. Regarding the classification of cocaine itself, the drug is known to act as an agonist since it causes more dopamine to be released into the synaptic cleft and impairs the reuptake of dopamine. Therefore, by preventing the reabsorption of dopamine and ensuring its higher presence within the synaptic gap, cocaine enhances the dopaminergic effects, which classifies it as an agonist rather than an antagonist.

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