Testing glutamate modulators for reducing heavy drinking in individuals with alcohol use disorder

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 project investigates the efficacy of glutamate modulators in non-depressed individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study employs a 2 by 2 factorial design to explore whether the effects of the glutamate modulator are enhanced when combined with behavioral treatments. Participants will be monitored for changes in heavy drinking days compared to an active control group. The research aims to deepen the understanding of glutamate's therapeutic role in treating AUD and provide evidence for this novel pharmacotherapy strategy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Active alcohol use disorder, with at least 4 heavy drinking day over the past 7 days (greater than 4 drinks a day for males, greater than 3 drinks for females). In the case of the use of other drugs, alcohol is designated as the primary drug
2. Physically healthy
3. No adverse reactions to study medications
4. 21-70 years of age
5. Capacity to consent and comply with study procedures, including sufficient proficiency in English
6. Seeking to reduce or stop alcohol use

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Meets DSM IV criteria for current major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or any psychotic illness, including substance-induced psychosis
2. Physiological dependence on another substance, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, excluding caffeine, nicotine, and cannabis
3. Delirium, Dementia, Amnesia, Cognitive Disorders, or Dissociative disorders
4. Current suicide risk or a history of suicide attempt within the past year
5. Inability to safely initiate 24 hours of abstinence from alcohol, as evidenced by CIWA greater than 10 during screening; history of severe withdrawal phenomena over the past 6 months (e.g., inpatient stabilization, withdrawal-related seizure); or self-reported inability to maintain abstinence for 24 hours.
6. Pregnant or interested in becoming pregnant during the study period
7. Any of the following cardiac conditions: clinically significant left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, clinically significant arrhythmia, or mitral valve prolapse
8. Unstable physical disorders which might make participation hazardous such as hypertension (\>160/90), anemia, active hepatitis or other liver disease (transaminase levels \< 2-3 X the upper limit of normal will be considered acceptable), epilepsy, or untreated diabetes. Participants reporting HIV+ status will be asked to provide information about their current treatment, including all medications. Participants who are on the antiretroviral ritonavir (Norvir) will be excluded due to the possibility that study medications in combination with this medication may increase the risk of drug-induced hepatitis.
9. Previous history of misuse or abuse of study medications, and a history of an adverse reaction/experience with prior exposure to study medications
10. Recent history of significant violance
11. On psychotropic or other medications whose effect could be disrupted by participation in the study

Where it's running

• Nyspi
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Elias Dakwar, MD — NYSPI/Columbia
• Study coordinator: Kate O'Malley
• Email: kate.omalley@nyspi.columbia.edu
• Phone: 6467746103

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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.