ISRCTN ISRCTN59911189
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN59911189
EudraCT/CTIS number 2013-005319-28
Secondary identifying numbers 18715
Submission date
14/10/2015
Registration date
14/10/2015
Last edited
28/05/2020
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), also known as “liquid ecstasy”, is a widely-used drug. Although it was originally developed as an anaesthetic (sedative), it is often taken recreationally because it is thought to create feelings of relaxation, euphoria and increased libido. GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) is a GHB “prodrug” as it is converted to GBH in the body, causing similar effects. Use of these drugs is more common in groups such as clubbers and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities. GHB/DBL can be very addictive if they are used regularly, and users can become dependent on it to function normally. Withdrawal symptoms can be very severe, often causing tremor, sweating, anxiety, agitation and confusion, as well as more serious psychological problems such as delirium and psychosis (losing touch with reality). The current treatment options for people detoxing from GHB/GBL are tranquilizers (benzodiazepines) which help to make people less anxious. In many cases, these drugs are not very effective at combating withdrawal symptoms on their own. One promising alternative treatment approach is to add in a second medication, Baclofen, as it has a calming effect on the brain. The aim of this study is to find out whether prescribing baclofen in addition to a benzodiazepine reduces symptoms during GHB/GBL withdrawal compared to treatment with a benzodiazepine alone.

Who can participate?
Adults who are detoxing from GBH/GBL

What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to be treated with benzodiazepine either with or without baclofen, and are assessed to find out whether this reduces symptoms during GHB/GBL withdrawal.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Not provided at time of registration

Where is the study run from?
Addiction Directorate, St. Pancras Hospital (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
September 2015 to July 2017

Who is funding the study?
National Institute for Health Research (UK)

Who is the main contact?
Mr Yash Patel

Contact information

Mr Yash Patel
Public

Addiction Directorate
St. Pancras Hospital
4 St. Pancras Way
London
NW1 0PE
United Kingdom

Study information

Study designMulti-centre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Other
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleImproving GHB withdrawal with baclofen (The GHB Trial)
Study objectivesThis feasibility study aims to establish optimal recruitment and assessment to investigate whether prescribing baclofen in addition to a benzodiazepine reduces symptoms during GHB/GBL withdrawal compared to treatment with a benzodiazepine alone.
Ethics approval(s)Dulwich Research Ethics Committee, 10/12/2014, ref: 14/LO/1608
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedTopic: Mental Health; Subtopic: Addictions; Disease: Addictions, Addictive Substances– illegal drugs
InterventionBaseline Assessment, Pre-detox assessments - 1 visit; Day 30 assessment, Via telephone call or Face to face; Detoxification visits, Day 1-10 visits; Full written informed consent, Obtained by research team - 20 mins; Follow Up Length: 1 month(s); Study Entry : Single Randomisation only
Intervention typeDrug
Pharmaceutical study type(s)
PhaseNot Applicable
Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s)Baclofen
Primary outcome measure1. Optimal recruitment rate and strateries is determined at the end of the recruitment period
2. Characteristics of outcome measures are determined at the end of the recruitment period
Secondary outcome measuresNot provided at time of registration
Overall study start date30/09/2015
Completion date31/07/2016

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participantsPlanned Sample Size: 88; UK Sample Size: 88; Description: The aim is to recruit 88 research participants undergoing GHB/GBL detoxification, 60 planned outpatients and 28 unplanned inpatients.
Total final enrolment7
Key inclusion criteria1. Aged 18 years or over who is either:
1.1. In active withdrawal
1.2. Has underlying GHB/GBL dependence and wishes to undergo GHB/GBL detoxification
1.3. Is thought to have underlying dependence and is at risk of acute withdrawal
1.4. Is under the care of a drug treatment service
Key exclusion criteria1. Clinician does not deem that medication is required for management of GHB/GBL withdrawal.
2. Lacks capacity to consent
3. Unable to take oral medication
4. Unable to take baclofen (according to SPC) due to:
4.1. Known hypersensitivity to baclofen or any of the excipients
4.2. hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption
4.3. active peptic ulceration
4.4. porphyria.
5. Unable to follow the study protocol due to serious mental health disorder e.g. enduring psychotic illness, suicidal intent
6. Could be pregnant and refuses a pregnancy test.
7. Taken any investigational drug within 30 days prior to drug administration
8. Where there are “Special warnings and precautions for use” according to the SPC and where risk vs benefit ratio for prescribing is not in favour of prescribing baclofen
9. Has epilepsy not well controlled either with or without medication
10. End stage renal failure (CKD stage 5, GFR <15 mL/min)
Date of first enrolment30/09/2015
Date of final enrolment31/07/2016

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

Addiction Directorate, St. Pancras Hospital
4 St. Pancras Way
London
NW1 0PE
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust (UK)
Hospital/treatment centre

Greater London House
Hampstead Road
London
NW1 7QY
England
United Kingdom

ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/05drfg619

Funders

Funder type

Government

National Institute for Health Research
Government organisation / National government
Alternative name(s)
National Institute for Health Research, NIHR Research, NIHRresearch, NIHR - National Institute for Health Research, NIHR (The National Institute for Health and Care Research), NIHR
Location
United Kingdom

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Protocol article protocol 27/09/2016 Yes No
Basic results 28/05/2020 No No
HRA research summary 28/06/2023 No No

Editorial Notes

28/05/2020: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. Added clinicaltrialsregister.eu link to basic results (scientific).
2. The total final enrollment was added.
30/06/2016: Publication reference added.
14/06/2016: Plain English summary added.