What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Propranolol, a beta-blocker being studied for its potential to interfere with memory reconsolidation in Misophonia, is known to cause side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues. Chronic use of propranolol has been associated with impairments in memory retention. Other common treatments for Misophonia, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), generally have fewer side effects, primarily involving temporary emotional discomfort as patients confront their triggers.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no FDA-approved treatments specifically for misophonia. However, propranolol, a beta-blocker, is being studied for its potential to interfere with memory reconsolidation, which may alleviate aversive reactions to misophonia-related cues. This approach is based on the hypothesis that misophonia involves associative learning processes.

What other types of research exist?

Promising, novel alternatives to propranolol for misophonia treatment in 2024 may include other pharmacological agents that affect memory reconsolidation, such as certain antidepressants or anxiolytics, as well as non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy.

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Beta Blocker

Behavioral + Propranolol for Misophonia (Miso Prop Trial)

Q: What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

The most common treatments for Misophonia often target the associative learning and memory processes that underlie the condition. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is being studied for its ability to interfere with the reconsolidation of reactivated misophonia memories. By disrupting the emotional learning and memory processes that reinforce negative responses to specific sounds, propranolol may alleviate the aversive reactions associated with Misophonia. This approach is significant for patients as it offers a targeted method to modify the neural pathways responsible for their condition, potentially leading to more effective and lasting relief.

Phase < 1

Waitlist Available

Led By Daniela Schiller, PhD

Research Sponsored by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline and after 6 hours

Summary

This trial is testing whether propranolol can help people with misophonia, a condition where certain sounds cause strong negative reactions. The medication aims to weaken the bad memories associated with these sounds. By doing so, it might make these sounds less distressing for those affected. Propranolol has been used in various psychiatric treatments and has shown potential in reducing anxiety and improving cognitive functions.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults aged 18-55 with misophonia, which means they have strong negative reactions to certain sounds. Participants must speak English fluently and not be pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a pulse outside of the range 55-100 bpm. They should not take specific medications that interact with propranolol, have high or low blood pressure issues, cardiovascular illnesses, respiratory diseases like COPD, diabetes mellitus, CNS diseases or recent drug abuse.

What is being tested?

The study tests if interfering with memory reconsolidation using propranolol can reduce aversive reactions in misophonia when reminded of triggering sounds. It compares this approach against placebo and counterconditioning techniques through behavioral and neural analyses.

What are the potential side effects?

Propranolol may cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, trouble sleeping, stomach cramps and nausea. In some cases it might also affect heart rate and blood pressure or worsen breathing problems.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline and after 6 hours

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline and after 6 hours

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline and after 6 hours for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in average Galvanic skin response based on deflections of a wave

Secondary study objectives

Change in Approach-Avoidance test

Change in Average Galvanic skin response based on deflections of a wave

Change in average heart rate

+1 more

Trial Design

5Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: No memory reminder followed by counterconditioningExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This arm aims to have 30 participants with a behavioral manipulation. They will not receive a reminder to reactivate their memory of a misophonia trigger and then undergo counterconditioning.

Group II: No memory reminder followed by Propranolol HydrochlorideExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This arm aims to have 30 participants with a pharmacological manipulation. They will not receive a reminder to reactivate their memory of a misophonia sound and only receive a propranolol hydrochloride tablet.

Group III: Memory reminder followed by counterconditioningExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

This arm aims to have 30 participants with a behavioral manipulation. They will receive a reminder to reactivate their memory of a misophonia trigger and then will undergo counterconditioning.

Group IV: Memory Reminder followed by Propranolol HydrochlorideExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

This arm aims to have 30 participants with a pharmacological manipulation. They will receive a reminder to reactivate their memory of a misophonia trigger followed by ingestion of a propranolol hydrochloride tablet.

Group V: Memory reminder followed by PlaceboPlacebo Group2 Interventions

This arm aims to have 30 participants with a pharmacological manipulation. They will receive a reminder to reactivate their memory of a misophonia trigger followed by ingestion of a placebo tablet.

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Counterconditioning

2023

Completed Early Phase 1

~290

Propranolol Hydrochloride tablet

2023

Completed Early Phase 1

~150

Reminder

2023

Completed Early Phase 1

~311310

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The most common treatments for Misophonia often target the associative learning and memory processes that underlie the condition. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is being studied for its ability to interfere with the reconsolidation of reactivated misophonia memories. By disrupting the emotional learning and memory processes that reinforce negative responses to specific sounds, propranolol may alleviate the aversive reactions associated with Misophonia. This approach is significant for patients as it offers a targeted method to modify the neural pathways responsible for their condition, potentially leading to more effective and lasting relief.

Chronic propranolol induces deficits in retention but not acquisition performance in the water maze in mice.