Understanding how pain affects opioid use differently in men and women
Sex-specific mechanisms underlying the effects of pain on opioid seeking
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11121825
This research explores why men and women might experience and misuse opioid pain medications differently, especially when dealing with pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11121825 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people experience pain, and while opioid medications can help, their misuse is a serious concern. We know that men and women often misuse opioids in different ways, with men showing higher rates of increasing their doses and experiencing overdose. This project uses laboratory models to understand how pain and past opioid use might lead to these sex-specific differences in opioid misuse. By uncovering these underlying reasons, we hope to find better ways to manage pain and prevent opioid addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to adult patients, aged 21 and older, who experience chronic pain and are concerned about or have a history of opioid use.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience pain or use opioid medications would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more personalized and effective pain management strategies that consider individual differences between men and women, potentially reducing opioid misuse.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings from this research team have shown similar sex-dependent trends in laboratory models as observed in human clinical data, suggesting a promising direction for this work.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MORON-CONCEPCION, JOSE A — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MORON-CONCEPCION, JOSE A
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.