Neurophysiological effects of modafinil on cue-exposure in cocaine dependence: A randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study using pharmacological fMRI

Abstract

Objective: Enhanced reactivity to substance related cues is a central characteristic of addiction and has been associated with increased activity in motivation, attention, and memory related brain circuits and with a higher probability of relapse. Modafinil was promising in the first clinical trials in cocaine dependence, and was able to reduce craving in addictive disorders. However, its mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study therefore, cue reactivity in cocaine dependent patients was compared to cue reactivity in healthy controls (HCs) under modafinil and placebo conditions. Methods: An fMRI cue reactivity study, with a doub..