Charleston, SCNCT05064319Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Bipolar Disorder Clinical Trial in Charleston, SC

Access cutting-edge bipolar disorder treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Charleston. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Medical University of South Carolina

Quick Self-Assessment

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Expert Care in Charleston

Access bipolar disorder specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related bipolar disorder treatment provided free

Apply for This Charleston Location

Check if you qualify for this bipolar disorder clinical trial in Charleston, SC

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Charleston

    Convenient for SC residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Charleston site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Bipolar Disorder Study in Charleston

This research study evaluates the effects of an FDA-approved medication Gabapentin in individuals with Bipolar Disorder who smoke marijuana. Participants in the study will will be assigned to take either Gabapentin or a matched placebo. Study medication will be taken for 17 days. There will be 5 study visits, with 2 MRI brain imaging scans completed. Questionnaires and clinical interview measures will be completed at study visits along with consistent assessment of potential side effects from study medication.

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Ages 18-65 years
Meet DSM-5 criteria for moderate or severe cannabis use disorder (CUD; within the past 3 months), provide a positive urine cannabinoid screen at baseline, and identify cannabis as the primary substance of abuse
Meet DSM-5 criteria for bipolar I or II disorder (BD) or Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type
Able to provide informed consent and read, understand, and accurately complete assessment instruments
Willing to commit to medication treatment and follow-up assessments
Prescribed daily use of at least one mood stabilizing medication (i.e., lithium, divalproex sodium, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, 2nd generation antipsychotic)

Exclusion Criteria

A primary psychiatric diagnosis other than BD (e.g., Schizophrenia)
Meet DSM-5 criteria for moderate or severe substance use disorder (other than cannabis or tobacco) within the past 60 days
Any uncontrolled neurological condition (e.g., epilepsy) that could confound the results of the study
Any history of brain injury with loss of consciousness greater than 5 minutes
Any history of mental retardation, dementia, or recent electroconvulsive therapy (in the past 3 months)
Any uncontrolled medical condition that may adversely affect the conduct of the study or jeopardize the safety of the participant
Hepatocellular disease as indicated by plasma levels of liver transaminases (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase) greater than 3 times the normal range
Renal insufficiency as indicated by plasma levels of creatinine greater than 2 times the normal range
Concomitant use of medications that could interfere with glutamatergic/GABAergic transmission (e.g., benzodiazepines, ceftriaxone, riluzole, memantine, ketamine, topiramate, vigabatrin), due to potential confounding effects
Concomitant use of opioid medications, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, chloral hydrate, sodium oxybate, or any other medication deemed to be hazardous if taken with gabapentin
Azelastine, orphenadrine, oxomemazine, paraldehyde, and thalidomide are generally contraindicated in patients taking gabapentin; as such, individuals taking these medications will be excluded
Women of childbearing potential who are pregnant, lactating, or refuse adequate forms of contraception
Current suicidal or homicidal risk
Baseline scores greater than 35 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale or greater than 25 on the Young Mania Rating Scale
Has taken gabapentin in the last month or experienced adverse effects/allergic reaction (e.g., angioedema) from it at any time
Significant claustrophobia and/or past negative experiences with MRI
Presence of non-MRI safe materials in the body (e.g., ferrous metal implants, pacemaker)

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Charleston?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT05064319) has an active research site in Charleston, SC that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options in Charleston, SC

If you're searching for bipolar disorder treatment options in Charleston, SC, this clinical trial (NCT05064319) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Charleston research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced bipolar disorder specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all bipolar disorder clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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