NCT03588754

Does Propranolol, a Beta Blocker, Attenuate Stress-Induced Drinking?

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Yale University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 21 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

For this protocol, the investigators plan to conduct a pilot study evaluating the effect of propranolol on alcohol consumption. Using a parallel design, the investigators plan to randomize 20 non-treatment seeking adults with alcohol use disorders (DSM-5) to propranolol extended release (160mg/day or placebo; n=10 per cell) to evaluate whether propranolol reduces alcohol self-administered in the laboratory. Importantly, the investigators will evaluate whether propranolol counteracts stress-induced effects on alcohol self-administration. Following titration to steady state medication levels over a 2-week period, each subject will complete two laboratory sessions consisting of a well validated method for inducing stress or neutral/relaxing state (order counterbalanced), followed by a 2-hour alcohol self-administration paradigm known to be sensitive to medication effects.

Conditions

• Alcohol Drinking

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Propranolol	Propranolol Extended Release (160mg/day).
DRUG	Placebo	Placebo pill administered orally.

Timeline

• Start date: 2018-09-15
• Primary completion: 2026-02-28
• Completion: 2026-02-28
• First posted: 2018-07-17
• Last updated: 2025-08-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated drug study