Orexin Receptor Antagonists as Modulators of Threat Sensitivity in Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder

This study is a double-blind study. Participants will complete an initial screening visit and pre-treatment lab visits (EMG, fMRI). Suvorexant (SUV) will be placed in opaque capsules with dextrose filler. After the pre-treatment visits participants will take one pill of SUV at the Acute Drug Challenge under medical supervision. Ninety minutes post ingestion participants will complete an EMG. Laboratory assessments will occur during peak concentration, 2 hours post-ingestion. At the end of the visit, participants will be given a blister pack with 28 pills. Participants will be instructed to take one pill orally about 30 minutes prior to sleep time each night for 28 days. Participants will be provided education about common side effects. Participants will complete daily surveys to monitor side effects and potential drug-drug interactions. At the end of the 28 days, participants will complete post-treatment lab visits.

This study is a double-blind study. Participants will complete an initial screening visit and pre-treatment lab visits (EMG, fMRI). The placebo pill will be identical in appearance to suvorexant but will contain only dextrose. Following the pre-treatment visits, participants will take one pill at the Acute Drug Challenge under medical supervision. Ninety minutes post ingestion participants will complete the EMG paradigm. At the end of the visit participants will be provided a blister pack with 28 pills. Participants will be instructed to take one pill orally about 30 minutes prior to sleep time each night for 28 days. Participants will be provided education about common side effects. Participants will complete daily surveys to monitor side. At the end of the 28 days, participants will complete post-treatment lab visits.