Investigating the effects of Suvorexant on alcohol use

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This research aims to provide initial clinical evidence that orexin antagonism can reduce motivation for alcohol and other maladaptive behaviors associated with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The study will translate findings from preclinical research to humans, focusing on the orexinergic mechanisms that influence the pharmacodynamic effects of alcohol. Participants will receive either Suvorexant or a placebo while their responses to alcohol consumption will be monitored. The outcomes will enhance our understanding of the neurobiology underlying AUD and may inform future treatment strategies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:

1. Able to speak and read English.
2. Not seeking treatment at the time of the study.
3. Between the ages of 21 and 55 years.
4. Engaging in at least one binge drinking episode, per the NIAAA definition, in the last 30 days.
5. Fulfillment of moderate or severe DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for AUD based on computerized SCID results reviewed by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
6. ECG, read by cardiologist, within normal limits.
7. Body mass index of 19 - 35.
8. Birthing individuals using an effective form of birth control and not pregnant or breast feeding.
9. Judged by the medical staff to be psychiatrically and physically healthy (i.e., no current severe SUD or psychiatric diagnoses other than AUD or Tobacco Use Disorder; no current physical diagnoses that would interfere with study participation according to study physician judgment).
10. Not currently physiologically dependent on any substances.
11. Able to abstain from alcohol during admission (i.e., not physically dependent on alcohol and scores less than 8 on Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol \[CIWA-Ar\] at screening).
12. Not currently taking any prescribed medications for a chronic condition (other than birth control).
13. No indication of sleep apnea on the STOP-Bang questionnaire (score of 5 or greater).
14. No contraindications/allergies to suvorexant.

Where it's running

• Psychopharmacology of Addiction Laboratory
  Lexington, Kentucky, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: William W Stoops, PhD — University of Kentucky
• Study coordinator: William W Stoops, PhD
• Email: william.stoops@uky.edu
• Phone: 8592575388

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.