Can a brain ZAP and a common supplement curb cocaine cravings?
NCT ID NCT04155632
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.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
32 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Dec 2020
- Finished
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Mar 2023
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1\. Age 18-65 2. English fluency 4. Meet criteria for cocaine use disorder (CUD), as determined by DSM-V criteria, using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V. 5\. Enrolled in an intensive outpatient treatment program (MUSC Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs Intensive Outpatient Program (CDAP-IOP) or currently engaged in treatment for substance related problems. 6\. Able to read and understand questionnaires and informed consent 7. Lives within 50 miles of the study site. 8. Is not at elevated risk of seizure (i.e., does not have a history of seizures, is not currently prescribed medications known to lower seizure threshold) 9. Does not have metal objects in the head/neck. 10. Does not have a history of traumatic brain injury, including a head injury that resulted in hospitalization, loss of consciousness for more than 10 minutes, or having ever been informed that they have an epidural, subdural, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. 11\. Does not have a history of claustrophobia leading to significant clinical anxiety symptoms. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Past head injury or primary neurological disorder associated with MRI abnormalities, including dementia, MCI, brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or demyelinating diseases 2. Any physical or intellectual disability affecting completion of assessments 3. Any contraindication to MRI 4. Current or past psychosis 5. ECT in last 6 months 6. Among females, pregnancy at screening will be exclusionary. Females of child bearing potential must agree to undergo a pregnancy test 72 hours prior to the fMRI scanning session and regularly before and during the medication trial. They must further agree to notify the study physician or PA if they become pregnant during the study. 7. Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA-Ar) scale will be used to assess alcohol withdrawal. Individuals with CIWA \> 8 will be excluded. 8. Individuals with unstable medical illness (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction) 9. Has current suicidal ideation or homicidal ideation. 10. Has the need for maintenance or acute treatment with any psychoactive medication including anti-seizure medications and medications for ADHD 11. Suffers from chronic migraines 12. Any physical or intellectual disability affecting completion of assessments
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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