Suvorexant for Treatment of AUD and PTSD

This is a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study to evaluate preliminary efficacy and safety of suvorexant (SUV) (20mg) for sleep disturbance in alcohol use disorder (AUD) and co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in approximately 76 randomized men and women veteran and non-veterans between the ages 21-65. Participants will be recruited from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Trauma and Recovery Center (TRC) and the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) (in collaboration with West Los Angeles VA Medical Center). Following a 7-day placebo run-in, participants will be randomly assigned to receive SUV (10mg (Days 0-6) and 20mg (Days 7-13)) or matched placebo. Randomization will be stratified on sex and level of sleep disturbance (Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score). Post-randomization, all participants will complete an alcohol cue-reactivity paradigm prior to the initial dose of study medication. The alcohol cue-reactivity paradigm is an established laboratory assessment of craving during which participants are exposed to real alcohol and water cues in a bar laboratory setting. Participants will then take their first dose of medication. Participants will begin the real-world quit attempt, during which they will attempt to stop drinking for two weeks. Participants will complete daily virtual diaries and visits to assess sleep, past-day drinking, and alcohol craving. Participants will return to one of the clinical sites on study Day 14 to complete an alcohol cue-reactivity session to assess post-medication craving. PTSD symptoms will be assessed via Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (CAPS-5) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (PCL-5) at baseline, at Day 7 and at Day 14 of treatment with SUV or matched placebo.

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 21 and 65.
• Meet current (i.e., past 12-month at Day -7/-6) DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for moderate or severe AUD as determined by the MINI.
• Currently experiencing PTSD symptoms at screening (Day -7/-6) as indicated by PCL-5 cut-score > 30.
• Intrinsic motivation to reduce or quit drinking (defined as self-reported intention at screening to reduce or quit drinking within the next 6 months) and to receive PTSD treatment.
• Must have an ISI score equal to or > 7 (subthreshold insomnia). ISI score below 7 at screening will not be included or proceed beyond the screening day.
• Agree to abstain from all other sleep medications (starting at Day -7).
• Have a place to live in the 2 weeks prior to randomization (Day 0) and not be at risk that s/he will lose his/her housing in the next month.

Exclusion criteria

• A current (past 12-month at Day -7/-6) DSM-5 diagnosis via the MINI of substance use disorder for any substances other than alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana (< moderate level on DSM 5).
• A lifetime DSM-5 diagnosis via the MINI of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorder.
• Positive urine test for any recreational drugs other than marijuana at screening (Day -7/-6).
• Current clinically significant alcohol withdrawal (i.e., score ≥ 10 on the CIWA-Ar).
• Currently pregnant, nursing, or no reliable method of birth control (females only).
• Any clinically significant medical condition that would preclude safe participation in the study (e.g. narcolepsy, seizure disorder, or other clinically significant cardiovascular, hematologic, hepatic, renal, neurological, or endocrine disorders).
• Use of suvorexant (within 30 days of Day -7).
• Currently on prescription medication that contraindicates use of suvorexant (including moderate or strong Cytochrome P450 3A modulators (CYP3A inhibitors and inducers))
• Hepatic insufficiency (AST/ALT > 5x upper limit of normal (ULN)).
• Suicidal Ideation determined by greater than moderate Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale.
• Inability to provide evidence of 48-hour alcohol abstinence (self-report, BrAC, EtG) at Day 0 AND failure after second attempt at 48-hour abstinence.