Addiction and Pharmacology Research Laboratory (APRL) at the Research Institute Current Projects

Methamphetamine Treatment Research  |  Pharmacology Studies  |  Clinical Trials

Methamphetamine Treatment Research

A Pilot Trial of Naltrexone for Methamphetamine Addiction - Role of the A118G SNP
This study investigates the use of medication and individual counseling for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction for people aged 18-50. The study medication is a sustained release, injectable form of naltrexone, an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of alcohol dependence. All eligible participants receive the study medication naltrexone and free individual counseling. Study participation involves two visits per week for five weeks, including five sessions of individual counseling. Compensation is offered to eligible participants. Visit the Naltrexone study on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Phase II Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Bupropion for Methamphetamine Dependence
This study is investigating the use of the medication bupropion in combination with counseling for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence in treatment-seeking people aged 18-65. Bupropion is an oral medication which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for stopping smoking and the treatment of depression. All eligible participants receive study medication or placebo, and attend three free counseling sessions per week. Participation in the study lasts about 18 weeks. Participants receive compensation for their participation in the study. Visit the Bupropion for Methamphetamine Dependencestudy on ClinicalTrials.gov.

A Dose Ranging Study of Modafinil for Methamphetamine Dependence
This study is investigating the use of the medication modafinil in combination with individual counseling for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction in treatment-seeking people aged 18-50. Modafinil is an oral medication which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people who have narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness). All eligible participants receive the study medication and free individual counseling. Participants attend two visits per week for four weeks, receiving one hour of free individual counseling per week. Participants receive compensation for their participation in the study. Visit the Modafinil for Methamphetamine Dependence study on ClinicalTrials.gov.

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Pharmacology Studies

Role of Serotonin in Acute and Subacute MDMA Effects
MDMA (also called ‘Ecstasy’) is a widely used drug with poorly understood effects. MDMA (also called ‘Ecstasy’) is a widely used drug with poorly understood effects. We seek to better understand this drug by administering it in controlled settings to experienced volunteers. The purpose of this study is to measure the effects of MDMA and to determine the role of serotonin in these effects . Particularly how MDMA affects men and women differently and how mood and concentration are changed in the day or two after taking MDMA. Participation in this study can last up to 8 weeks, with 5 long outpatient visits, followed by shorter follow-up visits. This is not a treatment study and participants receive compensation for their participation in the study. Visit the MDMA Effects study on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Effects of MDMA on Sleep Architecture, Water Homeostasis, and Cognitive Function (Coming Soon)
This purpose of this study is to measure the effects of MDMA on sleep, mood, thinking, and how the body retains water in healthy men and women age 18-50 that have experience with MDMA (ecstasy).  Participation lasts between four and eight weeks, depending on participants’ commitment and availability. The study will take place at two locations. 2-4 Screening visits and a follow-up visit will take place at the Addiction and Pharmacology Research Laboratory at St Luke’s.  There are 2 separate “experimental sessions” that are inpatient stays that each consist of 3 nights and days and are scheduled at least one week apart.   These inpatient experimental sessions will occur at the CTSI Clinical Research Center (CRC) at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH).  This is not a treatment study and participants are compensated for their participation.  Check back soon for the link to this study on ClinicalTrials.gov.


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Clinical Trials


Contact Us!
St Luke’s Hospital
San Francisco CA 94110
Open hours 8:30am-6pm
(415) 641-3370 or (415) 333- QUIT
or Email Addiction and Pharmacology
Research Laboratory (APRL)





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