Targeted Naltrexone for Problem Drinkers

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether naltrexone, combined with brief coping skills therapy, is effective in the treatment of heavy drinking.

Clinical Trial Description

This is a 12-week, placebo-controlled trial of naltrexone (50 mg orally) in 163 problem drinkers. Problem drinkers are those individuals whose drinking puts them at risk of a variety of psychosocial and medical problems, including alcohol dependence, but who are not physically dependent on alcohol. They are estimated to comprise up to 20% of the general population. The study employed a factorial design in which the effects of medication (naltrexone vs. placebo), schedule of medication administration (i.e., daily vs. targeted), and the interaction of these factors on drinking behavior were examined. Targeted administration refers to the use of medication to cope with anticipated high-risk drinking situations.

The daily monitoring using interactive voice response technology of mood, desire to drink, perceived self-efficacy, and drinking behavior will make it possible to examine in depth the processes by which the study variables exert their effects. Daily monitoring was performed using automated telephone interviews, with in-person follow-up evaluations conducted at 3 and 6 months post-treatment to provide a measure of the durability of treatment effects.

A pharmacogenetic analysis based on preliminary evidence showing that a functional polymorphism in the gene encoding the mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) affects response to naltrexone will serve to explore an important source of variation in the response to naltrexone treatment. Exploratory analyses involving other potential genetic moderators of the response to naltrexone, such as the gene encoding the delta opioid receptor (OPRD1), will also be conducted, as will the correlation of genotype data with other phenotypes.

Careful evaluation of the study hypotheses will provide important information on the efficacy and mechanism of the effects of targeted naltrexone in problem drinkers. This study will allow us to model effects across multiple levels of analysis in an effort to understand the psychopharmacological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of naltrexone in problem drinkers and to apply novel genetic findings to understanding the pharmacogenetic mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of naltrexone in problem drinkers. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

Clinical Trial Details

NCT number	NCT00369408
Study type	Interventional
Source	University of Connecticut Health Center
Contact
Status	Completed
Phase	Phase 4
Start date	June 2003
Completion date	March 2008

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Clinical trials are conducted in a series of steps, called phases - each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.

Phase 1: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase 2: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase 3: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
Phase 4: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.