Suvorexant to improve sleep in people receiving treatment for opioid use disorder
Phase III double-blind, randomized controlled trial of suvorexant versus placebo to treat insomnia in persons with opioid use disorder
People on medications for opioid use disorder who have insomnia will be given suvorexant or a placebo to see if it helps their sleep, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309185 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a multisite, Phase III, double-blind randomized study where neither you nor the staff know whether you receive suvorexant or a placebo. The trial enrolls people on long-term medications for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine or methadone who report persistent insomnia. Participants take nightly study medication, complete sleep questionnaires and diaries, and report on cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and any side effects while researchers monitor safety and treatment retention. Results will compare sleep quality and related outcomes between the suvorexant and placebo groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults receiving long-term medications for opioid use disorder (for example buprenorphine or methadone) who are experiencing clinically significant insomnia are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People not on MOUD, people without insomnia, or those with medical or medication contraindications to suvorexant may not benefit or may be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, suvorexant could improve sleep and may reduce opioid cravings or withdrawal, which might help people stay engaged in OUD treatment.
How similar studies have performed: A prior pilot study by this team showed suvorexant was safe and suggested benefits for sleep and reduced craving, but larger Phase III data are needed to confirm those findings.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huhn, Andrew S — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Huhn, Andrew S
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.