Potassium Channel Blockade and Working Memory in Cocaine Use Disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, controlled, cross-over study will examine how a potassium channel blocker may influence working memory and related cognitive functions in adults with chronic cocaine use. Participants will complete neurocognitive tasks under experimental conditions while receiving 4-aminopyridine or placebo in alternating periods. Blood samples will be collected to measure drug-related biomarkers. The trial aims to link potassium channel modulation to cognitive performance and behavioral responses in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Current diagnosis of mild, moderate, or severe CoUD according to DSM-5
* Minimum cocaine use of 1g/month in the last three months
* Cocaine as the primary drug of consumption
* Willingness to abstain from cocaine use at least 72 hours before prior to each study visit
* Ability to read, understand and provide written informed consent
* To be sufficiently fluent in German
* Age between 20 and 50 years
* Body mass index (BMI) between 19 and 30 kg/m2
* If applicable: luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
* For individuals with childbearing potential: use of contraceptive measures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence or history of severe neurological disorders or head injuries
* Current diagnosis of an acute or chronic infectious disease
* If applicable: pregnancy and breastfeeding
* Lifetime history of any epileptic seizures
* Lifetime diagnosis of a cardiovascular disease, specifically arrhythmia and long QT syndrome
* Clinically significant laboratory or ECG abnormality that could be a safety issue in the study
* Lifetime diagnosis of liver or kidney disease including moderate or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance \< 50 ml/min)
* Known hypersensitivity or allergy to 4-aminopyridine
* Use of potassium channel blockers within the last 3 months
* Use of psychotropic medication within the last 7 days
* Use of inhibitors of the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2), such as cimetidine
* Lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or autism spectrum disorder according to DSM-5
* Diagnosis of a current episode of depression
* Current diagnosis of a moderate or severe substance use disorder other than CoUD according than DSM-5
* Daily cannabis consumption in the past three months
* (E-Cigarette) Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence Score \> 5 (strong nicotine dependence)
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g., due to language problems
* Being related to or in any form dependent on the investigator
* Prior participation (less than two years ago) in a study investigating working memory using the n-back task, the SWM, PAL, RVP, or LNST
* Participation in another study with investigational drugs within the 30 days preceding and during the present study

Where it's running

• University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich
  Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Boris B. Quednow, Dr. rer. nat.
• Email: quednow@bli.uzh.ch
• Phone: +41 58 384 27 77

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.