Premedication options for claustrophobic patients undergoing MRI scans

Clonidine and Lorazepam Premedication for Claustrophobic Patients During MRI Scan

Salem Anaesthesia Pain Clinic · NCT05876117

This study tests whether different medications can help people with claustrophobia feel less anxious during MRI scans.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorSalem Anaesthesia Pain Clinic (other)
Locations1 site (Surrey, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05876117 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effectiveness of different premedication strategies for patients with claustrophobia undergoing MRI scans. Participants will receive either Lorazepam, Clonidine, or a combination of both at alternate MRI sessions. The severity of claustrophobia will be assessed using validated questionnaires before and after each scan. The goal is to determine if premedication can alleviate anxiety and improve the MRI experience for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients diagnosed with claustrophobia who have previously experienced incomplete MRI scans due to their condition.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive disorders, major neuropsychiatric disorders, or those who cannot provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help reduce anxiety and improve the MRI experience for claustrophobic patients.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on anxiety management during MRI scans exist, this specific approach using a crossover design with these medications is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosed with claustrophobia
* previous incomplete MRI because of claustrophobia
* adult patients
* good treatment compliance
* reliable Claustrophobia Questionnaire (CLQ) diary
* reliable General Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD) diary
* informed consent for diary review
* consent for clinical record quality assurance review

Exclusion Criteria:

* poor treatment compliance
* cognitive disorder
* inability to provide consent
* major neuropsychiatric disorder
* unreliable diary
* cannabis use
* excessive alcohol intake
* previous adverse/allergic reactions to clonidine
* previous adverse/allergic reactions to lorazepam

Where this trial is running

Surrey, British Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Claustrophobia, Claustrophobia MRI

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.