Suvorexant and Alcohol

Description

This research will translate findings from preclinical research and provide the initial clinical evidence that orexin antagonism reduces motivation for alcohol, as well as other alcohol-associated maladaptive behaviors in people with Alcohol Use Disorder. This study will also provide basic science information about the orexinergic mechanisms underlying the pharmacodynamic effects of alcohol in humans. As such, the outcomes will contribute to our understanding of the clinical neurobiology of Alcohol Use Disorder. Overall, the proposed work seeks to expand the scope of current clinical neuroscience research on alcohol addiction by focusing on orexin, which has strong preclinical evidence supporting its critical role in addiction but remains unstudied in humans.

Conditions

Alcohol Use Disorder

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

This research will translate findings from preclinical research and provide the initial clinical evidence that orexin antagonism reduces motivation for alcohol, as well as other alcohol-associated maladaptive behaviors in people with Alcohol Use Disorder. This study will also provide basic science information about the orexinergic mechanisms underlying the pharmacodynamic effects of alcohol in humans. As such, the outcomes will contribute to our understanding of the clinical neurobiology of Alcohol Use Disorder. Overall, the proposed work seeks to expand the scope of current clinical neuroscience research on alcohol addiction by focusing on orexin, which has strong preclinical evidence supporting its critical role in addiction but remains unstudied in humans.

Influence of Orexin Antagonism on Motivation for Alcohol

Suvorexant and Alcohol

Condition
Alcohol Use Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Lexington

Psychopharmacology of Addiction Laboratory, Lexington, Kentucky, United States, 40507

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility 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.

Ages Eligible for Study

21 Years to 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Kentucky,

William W Stoops, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Kentucky

Study Record Dates

2027-03-15