Mirtazapine to Reduce Methamphetamine Use Among MSM With High-risk HIV Behaviors

Methamphetamine use is especially prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). Population-based surveys report methamphetamine use rates 20 times higher among MSM compared with the general population. Methamphetamine use is also a driving force in the MSM HIV epidemic: methamphetamine use has been associated with increased number of sexual partners, unprotected sex acts, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV acquisition. Despite these alarming data, relatively few interventions have been tested among methamphetamine-using MSM, and no studies have tested the efficacy of pharmacologic interventions in reducing methamphetamine use in this population. In parallel with the continued testing of behavioral approaches, we believe the time has come to test pharmacologic interventions to reduce methamphetamine use among MSM. Pharmacologic approaches to treating substance use have been successful in treating nicotine, alcohol, and heroin dependence. No studies have tested a pharmacologic intervention to reduce methamphetamine use among MSM at high risk for HIV acquisition and transmission. A recent pilot study found that mirtazapine, a drug with dual dopaminergic and serotonergic properties, significantly reduced methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms when compared to placebo over a two-week period among Thai men in a drug probation center. Mirtazapine is a commonly used, FDA-approved antidepressant; however, in the Thai study its effects on methamphetamine withdrawal were independent of its effects on depressive symptoms, suggesting a direct effect of mirtazapine on treating methamphetamine dependence. We propose to expand upon these promising pilot results by conducting a study of intermediate size (60 participants) and length (3 months of follow-up) to assess the efficacy of mirtazapine in reducing methamphetamine use among high-risk MSM.

The specific aims of our study are:

1. To test the hypothesis that mirtazapine 30 mg daily will reduce methamphetamine use significantly more than placebo among methamphetamine-dependent MSM, as determined by the proportion of methamphetamine-negative urines and by self-report of methamphetamine use in the mirtazapine versus placebo group.
2. To measure the acceptability of mirtazapine and placebo among methamphetamine-dependent MSM, by determining (via electronic pill caps and self-report) medication adherence to mirtazapine and placebo.
3. To measure the safety and tolerability of mirtazapine and placebo among methamphetamine-dependent MSM, as determined by the number of adverse clinical events in the mirtazapine and placebo arms.

If promising, study results will be used to design a phase III clinical trial to determine if mirtazapine's effects on reducing methamphetamine use lead to reductions in methamphetamine-associated sexual risk. We have chosen first to conduct a 3-year intermediate-sized trial in order to determine if mirtazapine reduces methamphetamine use and whether mirtazapine demonstrates good acceptability and tolerability among a population with methamphetamine-associated high-risk sexual behaviors. If this proves to be the case, we believe our study results will provide strong support for a much larger trial to test the hypothesis that mirtazapine-driven reductions in methamphetamine use will result in corresponding decreases in sexual risk behavior. This study is therefore designed to reflect the structure of a larger HIV-risk reduction trial and includes both substance use and sexual risk behavior measures. We will enroll sexually active, methamphetamine-dependent MSM (either HIV-negative or HIV-positive) who will be randomized 1:1 to receive mirtazapine or placebo for 90 days. Because no medications have been approved to treat methamphetamine dependence, we include extensive safety parameters, as is required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when testing a medication for a new indication in a new population. Participants will be seen weekly for urine drug testing and for brief substance use counseling. All will receive HIV risk-reduction counseling. Behavior will be assessed using standardized measures via audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI).