Can a brain ZAP and a common supplement curb cocaine cravings?

NCT ID NCT04155632

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether combining a brain stimulation technique called theta burst stimulation (TBS) with the medication N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could reduce cocaine cravings and brain responses to cocaine-related images. Thirty-two adults with cocaine use disorder participated. Researchers measured changes in brain activity and self-reported cravings before and after the treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and theta burst stimulation (TBS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment approach to help people with cocaine use disorder manage cravings.
What could go wrong: This was a small, early-phase study with only 32 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects may be modest or not last long.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for COCAINE USE DISORDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cocaine dependence Cocaine-Related Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COCAINE-RELATED DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.