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SWIPED Stage II: Propofol for Depression in Older Adults

This study, called SWIPED Stage II, is looking at new ways to help older adults with depression. Researchers are testing if a medicine called propofol, given in a targeted way, along with Brief Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (BBTI), can improve sleep and depression symptoms. You would receive two propofol infusions, which involve a short-acting sedative, and have your brain waves measured with an electroencephalogram (EEG) during and after. All participants will also receive 3-4 remote sessions of BBTI to help with sleep habits. The study aims to see if increasing a specific type of sleep, called slow wave sleep, can lead to better mood and thinking. They plan to enroll 70 participants aged 60 or older who speak English. The study status is unclear, so it's not known if they are currently enrolling.

Study design
This is a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized study planning to enroll 70 participants. Participants will be assigned to either a low-dose or moderate-dose propofol group.
What's involved
You would have two propofol infusions 2-6 days apart, each lasting about 2 hours, with EEG recordings. You would also have at least one overnight sleep EEG before the first infusion and additional overnight sleep recordings on the day of and nights after infusions. Additionally, you would participate in up to 3 follow-up remote BBTI appointments.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Two BBTI sessions will be administered within 6 weeks after the second infusion.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06867549

Slow Wave Induction by Propofol to Eliminate Depression (SWIPED) Stage II

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 60+InterventionalBasic science
Washington University School of Medicine
~70 participants
Updated 2026-08-27 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:PropofolElectroencephalography (EEG)Brief Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in SWS duration
Measured over Pre-infusion and on the nights of propofol infusions

Conditions

Depression

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NCT06867549

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Washington University School of Medicine/Barnes-Jewish Hospital

    St Louis, Missouristudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Ben Palanca, MD PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Washington University School of Medicine

Who to contact

Sarah E Knarr
[email protected]
314-362-2415
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
Age 60 or greater
English speaking (as an interpreter will not be readily available should a participant need to convey any safety concerns during the propofol infusion sessions or require guidance on conducting at-home sleep recordings)
Depression (non-responsive to at least one adequate trial of oral antidepressants for current episode).

Exclusion

Presence of symptomatic coronary artery disease
Presence of marked congestive heart failure/cardiomyopathy(NYHA \> Class III, LVEF \<40%, greater than mild RV systolic dysfunction)
Prior reaction to propofol
Resting heart rate \< 50 bpm
Treatment with Electroconvulsive therapy/Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/vagal nerve stimulation within 6 weeks
Body mass index \> 35
C-SSRS of 4 or greater (active suicidal ideation with some intent and with/without a specific plan)
MoCA score \< 23 (at least mild dementia)
Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
Non-prescribed use of amphetamines, opioids, cocaine, or phencyclidine; Urine THC \> 150 ng/ml
Intake of \> 14 beers/week (or equivalent)
Anesthetic exposure in the past 4 weeks
Concurrent use of benzodiazepines \> 2 mg/day lorazepam or equivalent, trazodone \> 50 mg/day, or gabapentin \> 600mg/day.

What this trial measures

  • Change in SWS durationPre-infusion and on the nights of propofol infusions

    This is the total duration of N3 averaged across infusion nights relative to baseline average. The average change in total duration of N3 infusion nights relative to baseline.