Pharmacogenetic role of dopamine transporter (SLC6A3) variation on response to disulfiram treatment for cocaine addiction.

Background And Objectives: Disulfiram has been beneficial in treating cocaine addiction in several studies. Patients with two SLC6A3 (DAT1) rs28363170 10-repeat alleles who have with genetically high dopamine transporter (DAT) levels may benefit from increased dopamine levels resulting from disulfiram treatment.

Methods: After stabilization for 2 weeks on methadone, 70 cocaine and opioid codependent patients were randomized into disulfiram and placebo groups for 12 weeks of treatment.