Pregabalin plus lofexidine to help people switch to monthly naltrexone
Combining Pregabalin with Lofexidine: Can it Increase the Success of Transition to Naltrexone?
This project tries adding pregabalin to lofexidine to help adults with opioid dependence complete detox and begin extended‑release naltrexone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177815 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have opioid dependence and want to switch to monthly naltrexone, the team will test whether adding pregabalin to lofexidine makes the detox process easier and speeds the move onto naltrexone. Participants will receive medication during the detox period and researchers will track withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and whether people successfully start extended‑release naltrexone. The project builds on prior small trials and uses randomized, blinded methods to compare outcomes between groups. Study staff will follow participants after detox to measure relapse, retention, and safety.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with opioid use disorder who want to stop opioids and transition to extended‑release naltrexone (and who have no contraindication to pregabalin or lofexidine) would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who prefer or need agonist maintenance (methadone or buprenorphine), who are pregnant, or who cannot take pregabalin or lofexidine may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could increase the number of people who complete detox and start extended‑release naltrexone, potentially lowering relapse and overdose risk.
How similar studies have performed: Small randomized trials and observational reports have suggested pregabalin can ease opioid withdrawal and lofexidine shortens detox, but combining pregabalin with lofexidine for improving transition to naltrexone remains relatively novel and needs larger testing.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kampman, Kyle Matthew — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kampman, Kyle Matthew
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.