Galantamine Effects on Cognitive Function in Marijuana Users

To summarize, marijuana users show impaired cognitive functioning, especially in working
memory and verbal learning and memory functions. Impaired cognitive functioning predicts
poor treatment response in marijuana users. Whether the cognitive impairments in marijuana
users improve with cholinergic enhancers has not been evaluated. In this double-blind,
parallel-group study, we are proposing to evaluate galantamine's effects on cognitive
performance in marijuana users. Thirty subjects will first have an adaptation session to
familiarize them with the study procedures including cognitive assessment. The adaptation
session will be followed by a 10-day treatment period, in which subjects will be randomized
to galantamine (8 mg/day) or placebo. On Day 4 or 5 and Day 9 or10 of each treatment phase
subjects will have test sessions, where a battery of cognitive tests will be administered.
The cognitive test that will be administered will include the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test
(HVLT) modules from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB): the
Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVIP) and the Stop Signal Test (SST).

Currently this study is active and enrollment is ongoing. To date there are fourteen
completers (january 2010)