Role of the α1 blocker doxazosin in alcoholism: a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial.
George A Kenna, Carolina L Haass-Koffler, William H Zywiak...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26037245/Actively Recruiting
Led by Brown University · Updated on 2026-03-20
184
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating the role of stress in the development of treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder AUD by studying the effects of alpha-1 receptor blockade. This research aims to replicate findings from an earlier pilot trial and focuses on doxazosin as a potential pharmacological treatment. The trial is a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind clinical study involving 184 individuals seeking treatment for AUD. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either doxazosin at 16 mg or the maximum tolerated dose, or a matching placebo, over a 16-week period. The study uses a quadruple-blind design to compare the effects of the drug to placebo. The dosing is carefully monitored to ensure safety and adherence. During the study, participants will have regular visits to assess alcohol consumption, craving, and other health factors. The primary outcome measure is alcohol consumption at 6 weeks, while secondary measures include alcohol craving assessed both one day and six weeks after treatment begins. Safety and adherence are monitored through medical history, physical exams, lab tests, and breath alcohol checks. The total participation duration is 16 weeks, with thorough follow-up throughout the trial.
CONDITIONS
Alpha-1 Blockade for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Z
Zoe L Brown, BA
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Brown University
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Doxazosin (16 mg or maximum tolerated dose) | Placebo (matching placebo) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Doxazosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker, administered at 16 mg or maximum tolerated dose to target alcohol consumption reduction. | Placebo pills matched to doxazosin in appearance, administered without active drug. |
| Role in trial | Investigational therapy evaluated for its impact on alcohol consumption in adults with Alcohol Use Disorder. | Comparator arm to determine efficacy and safety of doxazosin by controlling for nonspecific effects. |
| Primary use | Intended to reduce alcohol drinking frequency and craving in people with AUD. | Used to measure baseline changes in drinking and craving without active drug intervention. |
| How it is given or performed | Doxazosin doses titrated up to 16 mg daily or participant's maximum tolerated dose, with monitoring at clinic visits. | Placebo tablets matched to doxazosin schedule and appearance, administered at clinic visits. |
| Evidence status | Prior proof-of-concept trial and subsequence studies show doxazosin may reduce alcohol drinking, especially in patients with higher baseline blood pressure. Large-scale efficacy is still under investigation. | Placebo is expected to have limited effect on drinking, but helps detect treatment-specific changes and nonspecific improvement. |
| Important limitations | Doxazosin’s efficacy remains uncertain in broader clinical practice; current and prior studies are limited by modest sample sizes, short follow-up, and exclusion of those using other alcohol pharmacotherapies. | Placebo findings do not reflect clinical effects of approved AUD medications such as naltrexone or acamprosate, which were excluded for enrolled participants. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 16 weeks
Participants receive doxazosin or placebo medication for Alcohol Use Disorder.
Weekly visits for up to 16 weeks
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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George A Kenna, Carolina L Haass-Koffler, William H Zywiak...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26037245/Carolina L Haass-Koffler, Kimberly Goodyear, William H Zywiak...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28551590/Brown University
Lead Sponsor