Sleep drug suvorexant shows promise for curbing heavy drinking in early trial

NCT ID NCT05656534

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Ohio State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase study tested whether suvorexant (Belsomra), a sleep medication, can reduce stress sensitivity and heavy drinking in 81 adults with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder. Participants took either suvorexant or a placebo for 4 weeks, and researchers measured their startle response to stress and drinking patterns. The goal was to see if blocking orexin in the brain could help people better handle stress and drink less.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Suvorexant (Belsomra)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to help people with alcohol use disorder by reducing stress-related triggers for heavy drinking.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (81 people) testing a single dose and 4 weeks of daily use. Results may not lead to a proven treatment, and suvorexant can cause side effects like drowsiness.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

alcohol abuse

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

The Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States

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