Could a blood pressure drug help treat PTSD and alcohol addiction together?

NCT ID NCT05692271

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether adding the blood pressure medication propranolol to cognitive processing therapy (a type of talk therapy) helps people with both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder. About 48 adults aged 18 to 70 with both conditions will receive either propranolol or a placebo twice daily for 12 weeks, along with weekly therapy sessions. The goal is to see if the combination is well-tolerated and reduces PTSD symptoms and heavy drinking.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Propranolol
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for people struggling with both PTSD and alcohol use disorder.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase proof-of-concept trial, so results may not apply broadly. Propranolol can cause side effects like low blood pressure and fatigue.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER STRESS DISORDERS, POST-TRAUMATIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

CAMH

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.