CompletedPhase 4ACTRN12615000535572

The effects of prazosin on Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and emotional memory in healthy young adults

Placebo-controlled analysis of the effects of prazosin on REM sleep and emotional memory in healthy adults aged 18-39.

Sponsor

School of Psychological Sciences

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

May 20, 2015

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the medication prazosin on: 1) the quantity and quality of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep; and 2) emotional memory. This is so we can learn more about the basic effects of the medication in healthy adults as a step towards better understanding how the medication might help those with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The hypotheses are: 1. Increasing doses of prazosin will lead to greater quantity of REM sleep and fewer disruptions of REM sleep (e.g., fewer awakenings during REM sleep) 2. Increasing quality of REM sleep, resulting from increasing doses of prazosin, will lead to improved overnight memory for emotional pictures.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 YearssMax Age: 39 Yearss

Inclusion Criteria1

Aged 18-39, healthy, with a consistent sleep schedule

Exclusion Criteria14

Regular sleep/wake schedule not corresponding to the night/day cycle (e.g. shift workers), any sleep disorders.
Personal history of Axis 1 psycho-pathology, or family history of mood and psychotic disorders.
History of head injuries, loss of consciousness above 15 minutes, migraines requiring treatment, or seizures.
Current use of psychotropic medications or a positive urinary toxicology for illegal substances.
Current use of medication that affects the central-nervous system (e.g. Beta-blockers or anti-depressants)
Consumption of > 14 standard drinks of alcohol per week
Smokers or people undergoing nicotine replacement therapies (unless ceased over 12 months ago)
Consumption of > 300mg of caffeine per day
Use of erectile dysfunction medication
Use of other hypertension drugs
Severe peripheral edema
Supine hypotension and/or clinically meaningful hypotension
Plans to have any medical or dental procedures requiring general anesthetic during the study
Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant during the study

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Interventions

Participants will be put on a upward titrating dose of prazosin for 16 consecutive days, followed by a downward titrating dose for 6 consecutive days. The dosing schedule is: 2 days of 0mg (placebo),

Participants will be put on a upward titrating dose of prazosin for 16 consecutive days, followed by a downward titrating dose for 6 consecutive days. The dosing schedule is: 2 days of 0mg (placebo), 2 days of 1mg, 3 days of 2mg, 3 days of 4mg and 6 days of 8mg. Then, 2 days of 4mg, 2 days of 2 mg, and 2 days of 1mg . Medication is taken as 2 capsules at bedtime. Medication containers will be return to the study team as a check for adherence.