Improving GHB withdrawal with baclofen
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN59911189 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN59911189 |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | 2013-005319-28 |
| Protocol serial number | 18715 |
| Sponsor | Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust (UK) |
| Funder | National Institute for Health Research |
- 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
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
Public
Addiction Directorate
St. Pancras Hospital
4 St. Pancras Way
London
NW1 0PE
United Kingdom
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Multi-centre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Improving GHB withdrawal with baclofen (The GHB Trial) |
| Study objectives | This 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) studied | Topic: Mental Health; Subtopic: Addictions; Disease: Addictions, Addictive Substances– illegal drugs |
| Intervention | Baseline 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 type | Drug |
| Phase | Not Applicable |
| Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s) | Baclofen |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
1. Optimal recruitment rate and strateries is determined at the end of the recruitment period |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
Not provided at time of registration |
| Completion date | 31/07/2016 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 88 |
| Total final enrolment | 7 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. 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 criteria | 1. 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 enrolment | 30/09/2015 |
| Date of final enrolment | 31/07/2016 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
London
NW1 0PE
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Not 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 | ||
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
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.
