Suvorexant: A Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonist for Treating Sleep Disturbance in Posttraumatic Stress
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2024-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common consequence of combat that can result in
trauma-related hyperarousal and sleep disturbances. Poor sleep, one of the most common
complaints in Veterans with PTSD, can be distressing, impair concentration and memory, and
contribute to physical health conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and
cardiovascular disease. The orexin neuropeptide system underlies both sleep and stress
reactivity. Suvorexant, a drug that reduces orexin, improves sleep in civilians, but has not
yet been tested in Veterans with PTSD. This study will test whether suvorexant can improve
sleep disturbances and PTSD symptoms in Veterans. Suvorexant may benefit Veterans by
improving sleep quickly while also reducing PTSD symptoms over the long term, and with fewer
side effects that were common in previous medications used to treat these conditions.
Improving Veterans' sleep and PTSD symptoms could lead to better emotional and physical
well-being, quality of life, relationships, and functioning.