Trial Outcomes & Findings for Guanfacine to Reduce Relapse Risk in Women With Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) (NCT NCT03137082)

NCT ID: NCT03137082

Last Updated: 2024-06-05

Results Overview

Percentage of days abstinent across the 12-week trial was calculated using the Timeline follow Back.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE1/PHASE2

Target enrollment

32 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

12 weeks

Results posted on

2024-06-05

Participant Flow

Participants were recruited from flyers posted in and around Stony Brook Hospital and its outpatient facilities, in addition to advertisements on social media. The first participant was enrolled in July 2017 and the last in March 2020

Following consent, participants were scheduled for an eligibility intake (including clinical and physical assessments). If eligible, they were scheduled for a second intake which included completing baseline assessments of alcohol and substance use in addition to alcohol craving, mood, anxiety and emotion regulation. Of the 32 women consented, N=17 did not meet criteria and N=15 were eligible and randomized onto study medication.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Overall Study
STARTED
8
7
Overall Study
COMPLETED
6
6
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
2
1

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Overall Study
Withdrawal by Subject
1
1
Overall Study
Lost to Follow-up
1
0

Baseline Characteristics

Guanfacine to Reduce Relapse Risk in Women With Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Total
n=15 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
36.9 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.8 • n=5 Participants
48.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.1 • n=7 Participants
42.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.5 • n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
8 Participants
n=5 Participants
7 Participants
n=7 Participants
15 Participants
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
3 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
3 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
5 Participants
n=5 Participants
7 Participants
n=7 Participants
12 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
1 Participants
n=7 Participants
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
6 Participants
n=5 Participants
6 Participants
n=7 Participants
12 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
8 participants
n=5 Participants
7 participants
n=7 Participants
0 participants
n=5 Participants
% no. of drinking days in last 3 months
50.1 percentage of days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 36.0 • n=5 Participants
66.5 percentage of days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 39.1 • n=7 Participants
58.3 percentage of days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 37.6 • n=5 Participants
no. of drinks consumed per occasion
4.75 drinks per occasion
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.9 • n=5 Participants
4.9 drinks per occasion
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.2 • n=7 Participants
4.8 drinks per occasion
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.0 • n=5 Participants
% no. of binge drinking days in last 3 months
41.1 % no. of binge drinking days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 28.7 • n=5 Participants
35.4 % no. of binge drinking days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 36.1 • n=7 Participants
38.3 % no. of binge drinking days
STANDARD_DEVIATION 32.4 • n=5 Participants
Depressive Symptomatology
17.6 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.9 • n=5 Participants
11.83 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.0 • n=7 Participants
14.7 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.0 • n=5 Participants
no. of smokers (tobacco)
2 participants
n=5 Participants
0 participants
n=7 Participants
2 participants
n=5 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 12 weeks

Percentage of days abstinent across the 12-week trial was calculated using the Timeline follow Back.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Percentage of Days Abstinent
74.7 percentage of days abstinent
Standard Deviation 27.4
50.6 percentage of days abstinent
Standard Deviation 26.5

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 12 weeks

Percentage of heavy drinking days across the 12-week trial was calculated using the Timeline follow Back.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days
15.5 percentage heavy drinking days
Standard Deviation 26.7
30.6 percentage heavy drinking days
Standard Deviation 26.7

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 12 weeks

Urine screening will be conducted twice per week across the trial.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Alcohol Consumption (Percentage of Negative Urines)
45.3 percentage of negative urines
Standard Deviation 35.7
35.2 percentage of negative urines
Standard Deviation 19.4

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 2 times per week for 12 weeks

The Anxiety subscale of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) was administered to assess anxiety. The subscale comprises 9 adjectives that describe anxiety-related feelings, and participants are required to rate the extent to which they are experiencing each feeling at that moment, from 0= not at all; 1= a little; 2= moderately; 3= quite a bit; 4= extremely. Possible scores range from 0 to 36, with higher scores representing higher levels of anxiety. Anxiety ratings were collected two times per week across twelve weeks (24 time-points). Each time-point represented change from baseline anxiety. The calculation here represents mean change from baseline values across the 12 weeks, where minus scores represent lower mean anxiety compared with baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Mood (Anxiety)
-8.2 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 8.2
-0.75 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.7

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 2 times per week for 12 weeks

The Depression subscale of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) was administered to assess depression. The subscale comprises 15 adjectives that describe depression-related feelings, and participants are required to rate the extent to which they are experiencing each feeling at that moment, from 0= not at all; 1= a little; 2= moderately; 3= quite a bit; 4= extremely. Possible scores range from 0 to 60, with higher scores representing higher levels of depression. Depression ratings were collected two times per week across twelve weeks (24 time-points). Each time-point represented change from baseline depression. The calculation here represents mean change from baseline values across the 12 weeks, where minus scores represent lower mean depression compared with baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Mood (Depression)
-13.9 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 13.3
0.03 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.2

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12-weeks

The desire for using alcohol was assessed using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) in which 1 = 'not at all' and 10 = 'extremely high'. Alcohol craving ratings were collected two times per week across twelve weeks (24 time-points). Each time-point represented change from baseline alcohol craving. The calculation here represents mean change from baseline values across the 12 weeks, where minus scores represent lower mean alcohol craving compared with baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Alcohol Craving
-1.6 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.4
-1.9 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.4

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12-weeks

We used the Impulse Control Difficulties subscale (IMPULSE) of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to assess changes in impulse control across the trial. The DERS was administered two times per week, and the IMPULSE subscale comprised 6 items with a potential score range of 6 to 30 with higher scores representing greater difficulties in impulse control. Each time-point represents change from baseline impulse control difficulties. The calculation here represents mean change from baseline values across the 12 weeks, where minus values represent less difficulties in impulse control compared with baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Emotion Regulation (Difficulties in Impulse Control)
-2.8 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.4
0.85 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.2

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12-week

We used the Difficulties in Engaging in Goal-Directed Behavior (GOALS) subscale of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to assess changes in goal-directed behavior across the trial. The DERS was administered two times per week (24 time-points) and the GOALS subscale comprised 5 items with a potential score range of 5 to 25 with higher scores representing greater difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior. Each time-point represented change from baseline GOALS. The calculation here represents mean change from baseline values across the 12 weeks, where minus values represent less difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior compared with baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Emotion Regulation (Difficulties With Engaging in Goal Related Behavior)
-3.0 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.6
0.95 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.2

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12-weeks

We used the Lack of Emotional Clarity subscale (CLARITY) of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to assess changes in emotional clarity across the trial. The DERS was administered two times per week, and the CLARITY subscale comprised 5 items with a potential score range of 5 to 25 with higher scores representing greater difficulties in emotional clarity. Each time-point represents change from baseline difficulties in emotional clarity. The calculation here represents mean change from baseline values across the 12 weeks, where minus values represent less difficulties in emotional clarity compared with baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Emotion Regulation (Difficulties With Emotional Clarity)
-2.3 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.8
-0.71 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.3

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12-weeks

We used the Limited Access to Emotion Regulation Strategies subscale (STRATEGIES) of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to assess changes in ability to access emotion regulation strategies across the trial. The DERS was administered two times per week, and the STRATEGIES subscale comprised 8 items with a potential score range of 8 to 40 with higher scores representing greater difficulties in accessing emotion regulation strategies. Each time-point represents change from baseline STRATEGIES. The calculation here represents mean change from baseline values across the 12 weeks, where minus values represent less difficulties in accessing emotion regulation strategies compared with baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Emotion Regulation (Limited Access to Emotion Regulation Strategies)
-5.1 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.4
-0.28 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.4

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12-weeks

We used the Lack of Emotional Awareness subscale (AWARENESS) of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to assess changes in emotional awareness across the trial. The DERS was administered two times per week, and the AWARENESS subscale comprised of 6 items with a potential score range of 6 to 30 with higher scores representing greater a greater lack of emotional awareness. Each time-point represents change from baseline emotional awareness. The calculation here represents mean change from baseline values across the 12 weeks, where minus values represent less difficulties in emotional awareness compared with baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Emotion Regulation (Difficulties With Emotional Awareness)
-1.6 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.3
-2.9 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.1

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12-Week

We used the Non-Acceptance of Emotional Responses subscale (NON-ACCEPTANCE) of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to assess changes in non-acceptance of emotional responses across the trial. The DERS was administered two times per week, and the NON-ACCEPTANCE subscale comprised 6 items with a potential score range of 6 to 30 with higher scores representing greater difficulties in acceptance of emotional response. Each time-point represents change from baseline NON-ACCEPTANCE. The calculation here represents mean change from baseline values across the 12 weeks, where minus values represent less difficulties regarding non-acceptance of emotional responses compared with baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Emotion Regulation (Non-Acceptance of Emotional Responses)
-6.4 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.7
-0.88 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.6

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12-weeks

We used the Total score of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to assess changes in overall emotion regulation across the trial. The DERS was administered two times per week, and comprised 41 items with a potential score range of 41 to 164 with higher scores representing greater difficulties in emotion regulation. Each time-point represents change from baseline emotion regulation difficulties. The calculation here represents mean change from baseline values across the 12 weeks, where minus values represent less difficulties regarding emotion regulation compared with baseline.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 Participants
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Emotion Regulation (Total Score)
-19.8 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 17.3
-4.5 scores on a scale
Standard Deviation 21.3

Adverse Events

Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily

Serious events: 1 serious events
Other events: 2 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Placebo (for Guanfacine)

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 1 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 participants at risk
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 participants at risk
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Pelvic Pain
12.5%
1/8 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
0.00%
0/7 • 12-weeks

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Guanfacine XR 3mgs/Daily
n=8 participants at risk
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Guanfacine XR 3mgs/daily: Guanfacine 3mg tablet
Placebo (for Guanfacine)
n=7 participants at risk
* Guanfacine XR tablet by mouth every 24 hours for 12 weeks * 21 day titration: 1 mg/d (day 1-7); 2mgs/d (day 7-21) * Full dose: 3mgs/d (day 21- day 70) * 2 week taper: 2mgs/d (day 71-77); 1mg/d (day 77-83) Placebo (for guanfacine): Sugar pill manufactured to mimic guanfacine tablets
General disorders
Headaches
25.0%
2/8 • Number of events 2 • 12-weeks
14.3%
1/7 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Dry Mouth
12.5%
1/8 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
14.3%
1/7 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Upset Stomach
25.0%
2/8 • Number of events 2 • 12-weeks
0.00%
0/7 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Dizziness
12.5%
1/8 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
0.00%
0/7 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Shakiness
0.00%
0/8 • 12-weeks
14.3%
1/7 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Weight Gain
12.5%
1/8 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
0.00%
0/7 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Appetite Loss
12.5%
1/8 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
0.00%
0/7 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Nightmares
12.5%
1/8 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
0.00%
0/7 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Enuresis
12.5%
1/8 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
0.00%
0/7 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Itchiness
12.5%
1/8 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
0.00%
0/7 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Dehydration
12.5%
1/8 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks
0.00%
0/7 • 12-weeks
General disorders
Urinary Tract Infection
0.00%
0/8 • 12-weeks
14.3%
1/7 • Number of events 1 • 12-weeks

Additional Information

Dr Helen C Fox

Stony Brook University

Phone: 631 632 0057

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place