Comparing the safety of non-opioid pain medications

Comparative Safety of Pain Medications

NIH-funded research University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10773769

This study is looking at the safety of three common pain medications—cyclobenzaprine, duloxetine, and pregabalin—to see if they might cause heart problems, especially in people who often don’t get included in medical research. The goal is to help doctors make better choices for managing chronic pain for their patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project IDNIH-10773769 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the safety of three commonly prescribed non-opioid medications—cyclobenzaprine, duloxetine, and pregabalin—used for chronic pain management. It aims to identify potential cardiovascular risks associated with these medications, particularly in vulnerable populations often excluded from clinical trials. By utilizing pharmacoepidemiologic studies, the research will analyze data to provide critical insights into the long-term safety of these drugs, which are used by millions of patients. The findings could help clinicians make informed decisions about pain management options.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain who are prescribed non-opioid medications.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use non-opioid medications or those with acute pain conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer pain management options for patients with chronic pain, reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated potential cardiovascular risks associated with similar medications, suggesting that this investigation could provide valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Coral Gables, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.