Role of the Noradrenergic System in the Regulation of Learning Dynamics: Evaluation of the Effect of a Low-dose Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (NOISYXETINE)
This study explores how a brain chemical, noradrenaline, affects learning in healthy adults. Researchers are giving a low dose of a drug called atomoxetine, which briefly increases noradrenaline levels, or a dummy pill. They want to see how this change impacts different types of learning tasks and decision-making processes. The study aims to understand how our brains adapt to new information and how noradrenaline plays a role in this, which could eventually help us understand certain brain conditions. Participants will take either the drug or the dummy pill at different times, and their learning abilities will be carefully measured.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is trying to understand more about how our brains learn new things. Specifically, it's looking at a brain chemical called noradrenaline. We know noradrenaline is important for things like attention and focus, but we want to learn more about its exact role in how we take in new information and make decisions.
To do this, healthy volunteers will be given a very low dose of a medication called atomoxetine, or a dummy pill (placebo). Atomoxetine temporarily increases the level of noradrenaline in the brain in a safe and controlled way. By comparing how people learn when they have slightly more noradrenaline versus none, we can get a better idea of how this chemical affects our learning process. The study uses special computer tasks to measure how quickly and efficiently people learn and adapt to new information.
There are two main groups in the study, each doing a slightly different type of learning task. This helps us see if noradrenaline has different effects depending on the situation. By understanding this natural process in healthy people, researchers hope to gain insights that could indirectly help our understanding of certain brain conditions where learning or attention might be affected.
Key takeaways
- Researchers are studying how a brain chemical called noradrenaline affects learning.
- Healthy adults will take either a study drug (atomoxetine) or a dummy pill.
- The study aims to improve our general understanding of how the brain learns.
- Participation involves several visits and computer-based learning tasks.
- Your health will be monitored carefully throughout the study.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 39 years old. You must be right-handed and covered by a national insurance scheme. You'll also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part by signing a consent form.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of certain serious mental health conditions in your family or yourself. You also can't take part if you've recently used certain drugs or have a history of neurological problems like epilepsy, or serious long-term health conditions such as untreated high blood pressure, heart problems, or kidney disease. If you are currently taking certain medications (apart from contraception), you may also not be eligible.
Finally, you can't join if you've previously had a bad reaction to atomoxetine, need to wear glasses or contact lenses for normal vision, or are already involved in another research study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 39 years old?
- Are you right-handed?
- Do you have a clear medical history, free from serious long-term conditions or mental health issues?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Have you had no bad reactions to atomoxetine in the past?
- Are you not currently involved in another research study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your total involvement in the study will last for up to 51 days. You'll have several visits to the study centre during this time. Throughout the study, you will have two main treatment periods. In one period, you'll receive a 40mg dose of atomoxetine (the study drug), and in the other, you'll receive a placebo (a dummy pill). The order of these will be randomly decided for you, so neither you nor the study team will know which you are taking at any given time. You'll switch between the drug and the placebo. During these periods, you will complete computer-based learning tasks and may have some brain activity measurements. There will also be appointments for checks of your general health.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Institut de NeuromodulationVerified postcodeParis, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is noradrenaline?
Noradrenaline is a natural chemical in your brain that helps with attention, focus, and how you react to new situations.
What is atomoxetine?
Atomoxetine is a medication that can temporarily increase the levels of noradrenaline in your brain.
Will I know if I'm taking the drug or the dummy pill?
No, neither you nor the doctors will know which you are taking at any time. This helps keep the study fair and unbiased.
Why are healthy people being asked to take part?
Studying healthy people helps researchers understand how the brain works normally before looking at conditions where things might be different.
How long will I be in the study?
Your total time in the study, from beginning to end, will be up to 51 days.
How to find out more
Florent Meyniel, MD, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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