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Beta Blocker

Propranolol for PTSD

Phase 2
Waitlist Available
Led By Alain Brunet, Ph.D.
Research Sponsored by Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
For participants aged 40 years: accept to undergo an electrocardiogram assessment. The results of the electrocardiogram must be normal
Be older than 18 years old
Must not have
Medical conditions that contraindicate the administration of propranolol
Any medication that can have an impact on cardiac rhythm
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 2 to 26 weeks
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial tests whether propranolol can help to treat symptoms of PTSD by reducing physiological reactions to trauma reminders.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults who have been living with chronic PTSD for at least six months and score high on a trauma impact scale. Participants over 40 must have a normal heart reading from an ECG. They should not start new medications during the study or be taking drugs that affect heart rhythm, and cannot be breastfeeding, have bipolar disorder or psychosis, substance abuse issues, high dissociation levels, or certain medical conditions.
What is being tested?
The study tests if propranolol (a beta-blocker), given in short-acting and long-acting forms along with memory reactivation sessions, can reduce physical responses to trauma memories and ease PTSD symptoms compared to just propranolol without memory reactivation.
What are the potential side effects?
Propranolol may cause low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, fatigue, dizziness upon standing up too fast due to lowered blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), sleep disturbances, and could potentially worsen symptoms of asthma.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am 40 or older and agree to a heart test that must show normal results.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I do not have any health issues that prevent me from taking propranolol.
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I am taking medication that affects my heart rhythm.
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I have low blood pressure.
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I am taking medication that could dangerously interact with propranolol.
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I have or had bipolar disorder or psychosis.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~2 to 26 weeks
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 2 to 26 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Secondary study objectives
Memory Experience
PTSD symptom levels
Psychophysiological assessments
+1 more

Trial Design

5Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Propranolol + No Memory ReactivationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This arm involves administration of propranolol without recalling the traumatic event
Group II: Propranolol + Memory ReactivationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This arm involves recalling the traumatic event after administration of propranolol
Group III: Placebo + No Memory ReactivationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This arm involves administration of a placebo without recalling the traumatic event
Group IV: Placebo + Memory reactivationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This arm involves recalling the traumatic event after administration of a placebo
Group V: Open-label Propranolol + Memory ReactivationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
All participants terminating the double-blind phase of the study will receive open-label reconsolidation blockade treatment with propranolol combined with recall of the traumatic event for six weeks.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Propranolol
FDA approved

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Douglas Mental Health University InstituteLead Sponsor
29 Previous Clinical Trials
2,649 Total Patients Enrolled
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)OTHER_GOV
1,373 Previous Clinical Trials
26,519,166 Total Patients Enrolled
Alain Brunet, Ph.D.Principal InvestigatorDouglas Institute Research Centre
2 Previous Clinical Trials
200 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Propranolol (Beta Blocker) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT01349439 — Phase 2
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Study Groups: Propranolol + Memory Reactivation, Placebo + Memory reactivation, Placebo + No Memory Reactivation, Propranolol + No Memory Reactivation, Open-label Propranolol + Memory Reactivation
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Trial 2023: Propranolol Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT01349439 — Phase 2
Propranolol (Beta Blocker) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT01349439 — Phase 2
~5 spots leftby Sep 2025
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