NCT03228732 · University of Maryland, Baltimore
The Effects of Fluoxetine and/or DHEA
What this study is about
(1) To determine how the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine (Prozac), an antidepressant often used to treat depression, stimulates the participant's body's ability to defend against low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). (2) To learn how a hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), stimulates the participant's body's ability to defend itself from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
View original scientific description
(1) To determine how the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine (Prozac), an antidepressant often used to treat depression, stimulates the participant's body's ability to defend against low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). (2) To learn how a hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), stimulates the participant's body's ability to defend itself from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). DHEA is a hormone produced naturally in the human body. However, it can be manufactured and is sold as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. The dose the investigators are giving in this study is higher than the usual recommended dosage taken as a supplement for certain medical conditions. (3) To study combined effects of fluoxetine and DHEA during low blood glucose. In the present study, the investigators will measure the participant's body's responses to hypoglycemia when given fluoxetine or DHEA or fluoxetine and DHEA or a placebo (a pill with no fluoxetine or DHEA). Approximately 64 individuals with type 1 diabetes will take part in this study.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 64 (32 males, 32 females) T1DM patients aged 18-50 yr.
- HbA1c \< 11.0%
- No clinically diagnosed diabetic tissue complications (i.e. history of retinopathy, neuropathy, stasis ulcers, etc)
- Body mass index \< 40kg · m-2
Exclusion criteria
- Subjects unable to give voluntary informed consent
- Subjects on anticoagulant drugs, anemic or with known bleeding diatheses
- Subjects taking any of the following medications will be excluded: Non-selective Beta Blockers, Sedative-Hypnotics, Anticonvulsants, Antiparkinsonian drugs, Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Mood stabilizers, CNS Stimulants, Opioids, Hallucinogens
- Subjects with a recent medical illness or past history of severe depression, mania or psychotic disease
- Subjects that score greater than 50 on the depression scale
- Subjects unwillingness or inability to comply with approved contraception measures
- Abnormal results following screening tests and physical examination that are clinically significant
- Subjects with a history of severe uncontrolled hypertension (i.e., blood pressure greater than 160/100), heart disease, cerebrovascular incidents
- Clinically significant cardiac abnormalities (e.g. heart failure, arrhythmias, ischemic tachycardia, S-T segment deviations, etc.) from history or from cardiac stress testing in subjects ≥ 40 years old.
- Hepatic Failure/Jaundice
- Creatinine greater than 1.6 mg/dl
- Acute Cerebrovascular/ Neurological deficit
- Fever greater than 38 °C Screening Laboratory Tests Exclusion Criteria
- Hematocrit lower than 32
- WBC lower than 3 thou/ul or greater than 14 thou/ul
- Liver Function Tests: SGOT and SGPT greater than twice upper limit of normal range (i.e. greater than 80 U/L).
- TBil greater than 2 mg/dl
- Alkaline Phosphatase greater than 150U/L
- Positive HIV, Hep B, Hep C
- Hepatic transaminase \> 2x normal
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 6, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations