This study assesses the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of suvorexant in multiple sclerosis patients. Enrolled subjects will receive 2 weeks of treatment during treatment period 1 with either suvorexant or matching placebo (1:1). After treatment period 1, subjects will undergo a washout period of 1 week then 2 weeks of the alternate treatment (either suvorexant or placebo). The primary hypothesis is that suvorexant will provide greater improvement in sleep, as measured by symptom rating scales, compared to placebo.
The target enrollment number is 30 people with multiple sclerosis who meet inclusion criteria. After informed consent is given, potential subjects will be screened to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Subjects who meet eligibility criteria will complete baseline assessments and will then be randomized to receive 2 weeks of treatment (Treatment Period 1) with either suvorexant or matching placebo (1:1). The initial dose of suvorexant will be 10 mg at bedtime, with optional titration to 20 mg after 5-7 days. Study drug will be dispensed by an independent research pharmacist, keeping both study staff and the subject blinded. All subjects, whether in placebo or active arm, will receive a wearable sleep monitor to be worn for 7 days at baseline, and during both treatment periods. All subjects will keep 7-day sleep diaries at baseline and during each study period. At the end of Treatment Period 1 (2 weeks), subjects will undergo efficacy assessments with repeated clinical scales. Subjects will then go through a 1-week open-label off-drug washout period. Subjects will then be crossed over into the alternate treatment group, which will once again be double-blinded; those on active treatment (suvorexant) in Treatment Period 1 will be switched to placebo, and those on placebo in Treatment Period 1 will be switched to active treatment. Treatment Period 2 will also be 2 weeks long, and at the end of this, subjects will undergo final assessment with clinical scales.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
36
See detailed information in associated Arm Description.
Sugar pill manufactured to mimic suvorexant 10 mg tablet.
EvergreenHealth Multiple Sclerosis Center
Kirkland, Washington, United States
Change in Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) Score
7-question survey assessing symptoms of insomnia over the past week. Maximum score is 28, minimum is 0, with higher scores indicating greater severity. Guidelines for Scoring/Interpretation: Add scores for all seven items = \_\_\_\_\_ Total score ranges from 0-28 0-7 = No clinically significant insomnia 8-14 = Subthreshold insomnia 15-21 = Clinical insomnia (moderate
Time frame: Change from Baseline to 2 Weeks
Change in Modified Fatigue Index Scale (MFIS) Score
This scale has 21 items with physical, cognitive and psychosocial questions regarding their fatigue levels. Subjects will complete the Modified Fatigue Index Scale (MFIS) as the first test conducted on the day of visit. Their ratings on the 21-item questionnaire will be based on their fatigue experience over the previous 1 week. Each question is on a scale from 0 to 4. Higher scores represent worse fatigue. Minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 84.
Time frame: Change from Baseline to 2 Weeks
Patient Global Impression of Change
This is a single question: "How would you rate change in your level of physical and mental function, during the study?" Responses range from "Extremely improved", "Much improved", "Slightly improved", "No change", "Slightly worse", "Much worse", and "Extremely worse". Higher score indicates improvement. Scale is 0-5 given responses. 0 is minimum, 5 is maximum.
Time frame: Change from Baseline to 2 Weeks
Fatigue Visual Analog Scale
0-100 scale rating fatigue with 0 being not fatigued at all, 100 being fatigue as bad as can be. Patients are instructed to place an "X" on the scale based on their overall level of fatigue. On the low-end of the scale are feelings of being awake and alert, having high-energy and vigor. On the high end of the scale are feelings of tiredness, drowsiness, sluggishness, low-energy, lassitude.
Time frame: Change from Baseline to 2 Weeks
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