Study Results
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Recruitment Status
COMPLETED
Clinical Phase
PHASE2
Total Enrollment
39 participants
Study Classification
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Start Date
2012-12-03
Study Completion Date
2016-08-17
Brief Summary
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Background:
\- Baclofen is a drug used to control muscle stiffness in people with neurological diseases. Some studies suggest that baclofen may reduce alcohol craving and use. It helps to reduce anxiety in alcoholics, which in turn can help to reduce cravings. Researchers want to see if baclofen can be a safe and effective treatment for alcoholics who have high anxiety levels.
Objectives:
\- To see if baclofen is safe and helpful for people who have alcoholism and high anxiety levels.
Eligibility:
* Individuals between 21 and 65 years of age who have been diagnosed with alcoholism and anxiety issues.
* Participants must not be taking anti-anxiety medication.
Design:
* Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Blood and urine samples will be collected. Tests of alcohol dependency and anxiety levels will also be given.
* Participants will be divided into two groups. One group will take baclofen. The other group will have a placebo.
* About 1 week after the screening visit, participants will have a study visit. They will answer questions about their behavior and mood. They will then start to take either baclofen or a placebo. Participants will take the study drug three times a day, every day.
* After 1 week on the study drug, participants will have an overnight stay at the National Institutes of Health. They will have blood tests and answer questions about mood and behavior. They will also have tests that involve choosing to drink alcohol and answering more questions about cravings.
* Participants will stop taking their study drug over a 3-day period.
* A final follow-up visit will be required 1 week after the overnight study visit. Participants will receive information about other alcohol abuse treatment programs.
\- Baclofen is a drug used to control muscle stiffness in people with neurological diseases. Some studies suggest that baclofen may reduce alcohol craving and use. It helps to reduce anxiety in alcoholics, which in turn can help to reduce cravings. Researchers want to see if baclofen can be a safe and effective treatment for alcoholics who have high anxiety levels.
Objectives:
\- To see if baclofen is safe and helpful for people who have alcoholism and high anxiety levels.
Eligibility:
* Individuals between 21 and 65 years of age who have been diagnosed with alcoholism and anxiety issues.
* Participants must not be taking anti-anxiety medication.
Design:
* Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Blood and urine samples will be collected. Tests of alcohol dependency and anxiety levels will also be given.
* Participants will be divided into two groups. One group will take baclofen. The other group will have a placebo.
* About 1 week after the screening visit, participants will have a study visit. They will answer questions about their behavior and mood. They will then start to take either baclofen or a placebo. Participants will take the study drug three times a day, every day.
* After 1 week on the study drug, participants will have an overnight stay at the National Institutes of Health. They will have blood tests and answer questions about mood and behavior. They will also have tests that involve choosing to drink alcohol and answering more questions about cravings.
* Participants will stop taking their study drug over a 3-day period.
* A final follow-up visit will be required 1 week after the overnight study visit. Participants will receive information about other alcohol abuse treatment programs.
Detailed Description
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Objective:
The selective GABAB receptor agonist baclofen has been identified as a possible medication able to reduce alcohol craving and intake in alcohol dependent individuals. In keeping with several preclinical studies, most of the clinical studies have demonstrated baclofen s effects in reducing alcohol craving and intake and promoting alcohol abstinence. However, one trial with alcoholics with a low severity of dependence found a robust treatment effect, but no differences between baclofen and placebo. The inconsistency of baclofen s effects on alcohol drinking among previous treatment trials suggests that different AD individuals may respond differently to baclofen. Baclofen has been demonstrated to consistently reduce anxiety in alcoholic patients, and analyses of positive vs. null findings with baclofen suggest that alcoholic patients with higher levels of anxiety at baseline may represent a sub-population particularly responsive to baclofen treatment. Therefore, this study will systematically test, for the first time, the specific role of baclofen on alcohol-related outcomes in alcoholic individuals with high anxiety levels. Furthermore, the biobehavioral mechanisms by which baclofen reduces drinking are not well characterized. A human laboratory pilot study conducted at Brown University with non-treatment seeking alcohol-dependent individuals suggests that baclofen reduces alcohol consumption both in the naturalistic environment as well as in a well-controlled lab setting (using an alcohol self-administration \[ASA\] paradigm) and that this could be mediated by baclofen s ability to alter alcohol-related biphasic effects. An exploratory analysis also revealed that specific genetic polymorphisms might moderate baclofen s effects, i.e. DRD4 and 5HTTLPR polymorphisms, although the sample of that pilot study was very small to allow one to draft definitive conclusions. The present project proposes investigating baclofen using a design similar to that used in the previous pilot study (thus, an already validated paradigm), thus representing not only the first study testing baclofen in alcoholic individuals with high anxiety levels, but also the first study investigating baclofen s biobehavioral mechanisms in such a population for which baclofen may hypothetically show a very robust effect.
Study population:
Non-treatment seeking alcohol-dependent males and females with high anxiety levels.
Design:
The experimental design is a between-subject randomized double-blind controlled study. The medication conditions baclofen t.i.d. or placebo represent the between subjects factor. Each participant will be randomly assigned to one of the two medication conditions and will receive eight days of the medication, followed by an alcohol laboratory session on Day 8. The alcohol laboratory session will be conducted in a bar-like room in the NIAAA Outpatient Clinic of the NIH CRC. The study will be conducted in consecutive phases which will appear contiguous to volunteers: (1) a one-week screening period; (2) an 8-day period (+ 1-5 days if needed to permit some participants flexibility in scheduling the laboratory session) during which participants will take the study medication; (3) an alcohol laboratory session, including a cue reactivity (CR) test and an alcohol self-administration (ASA) procedure on Day 8 (last day at the target dose); (4) a 3-day period during which participants will undergo a dose reduction of the study medication; (5) a 1-week follow-up (including the tapering phase).
Outcome measures:
Alcohol drinking during the ASA will be measured as the primary outcome. Secondary objectives include baclofen s effects on alcohol cue-induced responses (urge to drink, attention to cues, blood pressure, heart rate, saliva), on the subjective effects of alcohol and on anxiety levels. We will also explore the role of possible moderators of baclofen s effects, namely family history of alcoholism, early vs. later onset of alcoholism, pre-treatment anxiety levels and genetic moderators (DRD4, 5-HTTPRL). This study does not offer direct benefit to participants but is likely to yield generalizable knowledge about the possible role of baclofen in treating alcoholic individuals with high anxiety levels. This will markedly facilitate the identification of a novel pharmacotherapy, thus facilitating the development of novel alcoholism treatments.
The selective GABAB receptor agonist baclofen has been identified as a possible medication able to reduce alcohol craving and intake in alcohol dependent individuals. In keeping with several preclinical studies, most of the clinical studies have demonstrated baclofen s effects in reducing alcohol craving and intake and promoting alcohol abstinence. However, one trial with alcoholics with a low severity of dependence found a robust treatment effect, but no differences between baclofen and placebo. The inconsistency of baclofen s effects on alcohol drinking among previous treatment trials suggests that different AD individuals may respond differently to baclofen. Baclofen has been demonstrated to consistently reduce anxiety in alcoholic patients, and analyses of positive vs. null findings with baclofen suggest that alcoholic patients with higher levels of anxiety at baseline may represent a sub-population particularly responsive to baclofen treatment. Therefore, this study will systematically test, for the first time, the specific role of baclofen on alcohol-related outcomes in alcoholic individuals with high anxiety levels. Furthermore, the biobehavioral mechanisms by which baclofen reduces drinking are not well characterized. A human laboratory pilot study conducted at Brown University with non-treatment seeking alcohol-dependent individuals suggests that baclofen reduces alcohol consumption both in the naturalistic environment as well as in a well-controlled lab setting (using an alcohol self-administration \[ASA\] paradigm) and that this could be mediated by baclofen s ability to alter alcohol-related biphasic effects. An exploratory analysis also revealed that specific genetic polymorphisms might moderate baclofen s effects, i.e. DRD4 and 5HTTLPR polymorphisms, although the sample of that pilot study was very small to allow one to draft definitive conclusions. The present project proposes investigating baclofen using a design similar to that used in the previous pilot study (thus, an already validated paradigm), thus representing not only the first study testing baclofen in alcoholic individuals with high anxiety levels, but also the first study investigating baclofen s biobehavioral mechanisms in such a population for which baclofen may hypothetically show a very robust effect.
Study population:
Non-treatment seeking alcohol-dependent males and females with high anxiety levels.
Design:
The experimental design is a between-subject randomized double-blind controlled study. The medication conditions baclofen t.i.d. or placebo represent the between subjects factor. Each participant will be randomly assigned to one of the two medication conditions and will receive eight days of the medication, followed by an alcohol laboratory session on Day 8. The alcohol laboratory session will be conducted in a bar-like room in the NIAAA Outpatient Clinic of the NIH CRC. The study will be conducted in consecutive phases which will appear contiguous to volunteers: (1) a one-week screening period; (2) an 8-day period (+ 1-5 days if needed to permit some participants flexibility in scheduling the laboratory session) during which participants will take the study medication; (3) an alcohol laboratory session, including a cue reactivity (CR) test and an alcohol self-administration (ASA) procedure on Day 8 (last day at the target dose); (4) a 3-day period during which participants will undergo a dose reduction of the study medication; (5) a 1-week follow-up (including the tapering phase).
Outcome measures:
Alcohol drinking during the ASA will be measured as the primary outcome. Secondary objectives include baclofen s effects on alcohol cue-induced responses (urge to drink, attention to cues, blood pressure, heart rate, saliva), on the subjective effects of alcohol and on anxiety levels. We will also explore the role of possible moderators of baclofen s effects, namely family history of alcoholism, early vs. later onset of alcoholism, pre-treatment anxiety levels and genetic moderators (DRD4, 5-HTTPRL). This study does not offer direct benefit to participants but is likely to yield generalizable knowledge about the possible role of baclofen in treating alcoholic individuals with high anxiety levels. This will markedly facilitate the identification of a novel pharmacotherapy, thus facilitating the development of novel alcoholism treatments.
Conditions
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Alcoholism
Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol Drinking Related Problems
Alcohol Drinking
Anxiety Disorder
Study Design
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Allocation Method
RANDOMIZED
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Primary Study Purpose
OTHER
Blinding Strategy
QUADRUPLE
Participants
Caregivers
Investigators
Outcome Assessors
Study Groups
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Baclofen
Baclofen 10 mg t.i.d.
Group Type
EXPERIMENTAL
Baclofen
Intervention Type
DRUG
Placebo
Placebo t.i.d.
Group Type
PLACEBO_COMPARATOR
Placebo
Intervention Type
OTHER
Interventions
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Baclofen
Intervention Type
DRUG
Placebo
Intervention Type
OTHER
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Must be male or female between 21 and 65 years old (inclusive).
* Participants must meet criteria for current DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of alcohol dependence, supported by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID).
* Participants must have a Trait STAI \> 39.
* Participants must be in good health as confirmed by medical history, physical examination, ECG, blood/urine lab tests.
* Females must be postmenopausal for at least one year, surgically sterile, or practicing an effective method of birth control before entry and throughout the study; have a negative urine pregnancy test at each visit. Reliable methods of birth control include oral contraceptives or Norplant ; barrier methods such as diaphragms with contraceptive jelly, cervical caps with contraceptive jelly, condoms with contraceptive foam, or intrauterine devices; a partner with a vasectomy; or abstinence from intercourse.
* Participants must meet criteria for current DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of alcohol dependence, supported by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID).
* Participants must have a Trait STAI \> 39.
* Participants must be in good health as confirmed by medical history, physical examination, ECG, blood/urine lab tests.
* Females must be postmenopausal for at least one year, surgically sterile, or practicing an effective method of birth control before entry and throughout the study; have a negative urine pregnancy test at each visit. Reliable methods of birth control include oral contraceptives or Norplant ; barrier methods such as diaphragms with contraceptive jelly, cervical caps with contraceptive jelly, condoms with contraceptive foam, or intrauterine devices; a partner with a vasectomy; or abstinence from intercourse.
Exclusion Criteria
* Individuals expressing interest in treatment for alcoholism and/or anxiety.
* Pregnancy or breast feeding women or not using an adequate form of birth control
* Unable to provide a negative urine drug screen.
* Individuals diagnosed with a current substance dependence diagnosis, other than alcohol or nicotine.
* Meet DSM-IV Axis I criteria for a lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychoses.
* An active illness within the past 6 months of Visit 1 that meet the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Subjects with a history of attempted suicide will be excluded.
* Clinically significant medical abnormalities (i.e., unstable hypertension, clinically significant ECG abnormalities, Creatinine greater than or equal to 2 mg/dL). Although baclofen has demonstrated a safe profile when administered to alcoholic individuals with liver cirrhosis, including those with Hepatitis C, this study employs the oral administration of alcohol. Therefore, individuals with clinically significant liver problems will be excluded, i.e. liver cirrhosis, AST or ALT \> 5 times the upper normal limit (UNL), and individuals with Hepatitis B and C.
* Current use of psychotropic medications that cannot be discontinued and that may have an effect on alcohol consumption (thus confounding the results of the study) or that may interact with baclofen. Specifically, contraindicated medications will include: naltrexone, acamprosate, alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors, topiramate, gabapentin, ondansetron, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, H2-blockers, and alpha-1 blockers.
* Medical contraindications for use of baclofen.
* A history of adverse reaction or hypersensitivity to baclofen.
* Participants who have significant alcohol withdrawal symptoms, defined as a CIWA-Ar \> 8.
* History of epilepsy or alcohol-related seizures.
* Pregnancy or breast feeding women or not using an adequate form of birth control
* Unable to provide a negative urine drug screen.
* Individuals diagnosed with a current substance dependence diagnosis, other than alcohol or nicotine.
* Meet DSM-IV Axis I criteria for a lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychoses.
* An active illness within the past 6 months of Visit 1 that meet the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Subjects with a history of attempted suicide will be excluded.
* Clinically significant medical abnormalities (i.e., unstable hypertension, clinically significant ECG abnormalities, Creatinine greater than or equal to 2 mg/dL). Although baclofen has demonstrated a safe profile when administered to alcoholic individuals with liver cirrhosis, including those with Hepatitis C, this study employs the oral administration of alcohol. Therefore, individuals with clinically significant liver problems will be excluded, i.e. liver cirrhosis, AST or ALT \> 5 times the upper normal limit (UNL), and individuals with Hepatitis B and C.
* Current use of psychotropic medications that cannot be discontinued and that may have an effect on alcohol consumption (thus confounding the results of the study) or that may interact with baclofen. Specifically, contraindicated medications will include: naltrexone, acamprosate, alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors, topiramate, gabapentin, ondansetron, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, H2-blockers, and alpha-1 blockers.
* Medical contraindications for use of baclofen.
* A history of adverse reaction or hypersensitivity to baclofen.
* Participants who have significant alcohol withdrawal symptoms, defined as a CIWA-Ar \> 8.
* History of epilepsy or alcohol-related seizures.
Minimum Eligible Age
21 Years
Maximum Eligible Age
65 Years
Eligible Sex
ALL
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Sponsors
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National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
NIH
Sponsor Role
lead
Responsible Party
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Responsibility Role
SPONSOR
Principal Investigators
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Lorenzo Leggio, M.D.
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Site Status
Countries
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United States
References
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Addolorato G, Abenavoli L, Leggio L, Gasbarrini G. How many cravings? Pharmacological aspects of craving treatment in alcohol addiction: a review. Neuropsychobiology. 2005;51(2):59-66. doi: 10.1159/000084161. Epub 2005 Feb 28.
Reference Type
BACKGROUND
Addolorato G, Caputo F, Capristo E, Domenicali M, Bernardi M, Janiri L, Agabio R, Colombo G, Gessa GL, Gasbarrini G. Baclofen efficacy in reducing alcohol craving and intake: a preliminary double-blind randomized controlled study. Alcohol Alcohol. 2002 Sep-Oct;37(5):504-8. doi: 10.1093/alcalc/37.5.504.
Reference Type
BACKGROUND
Addolorato G, Caputo F, Capristo E, Janiri L, Bernardi M, Agabio R, Colombo G, Gessa GL, Gasbarrini G. Rapid suppression of alcohol withdrawal syndrome by baclofen. Am J Med. 2002 Feb 15;112(3):226-9. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9343(01)01088-9. No abstract available.
Reference Type
BACKGROUND
Leggio L, Zywiak WH, Edwards SM, Tidey JW, Swift RM, Kenna GA. A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study of baclofen effects in alcoholic smokers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2015 Jan;232(1):233-43. doi: 10.1007/s00213-014-3652-9. Epub 2014 Jun 29.
Reference Type
BACKGROUND
Leggio L, Zywiak WH, McGeary JE, Edwards S, Fricchione SR, Shoaff JR, Addolorato G, Swift RM, Kenna GA. A human laboratory pilot study with baclofen in alcoholic individuals. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2013 Feb;103(4):784-91. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.11.013. Epub 2012 Dec 19.
Reference Type
BACKGROUND
Leggio L, Ferrulli A, Zambon A, Caputo F, Kenna GA, Swift RM, Addolorato G. Baclofen promotes alcohol abstinence in alcohol dependent cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Addict Behav. 2012 Apr;37(4):561-4. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.12.010. Epub 2011 Dec 27.
Reference Type
BACKGROUND
Farokhnia M, Schwandt ML, Lee MR, Bollinger JW, Farinelli LA, Amodio JP, Sewell L, Lionetti TA, Spero DE, Leggio L. Biobehavioral effects of baclofen in anxious alcohol-dependent individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, laboratory study. Transl Psychiatry. 2017 Apr 25;7(4):e1108. doi: 10.1038/tp.2017.71.
Reference Type
RESULT
Related Links
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https://clinicalstudies.info.nih.gov/cgi/detail.cgi?B_2013-AA-0040.html
NIH Clinical Center Detailed Web Page
Other Identifiers
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13-AA-0040
Identifier Type: OTHER
Identifier Source: secondary_id
130040
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id