Understanding how sex differences affect withdrawal symptoms from opioids
Neurobiological characterization of sex differences in somatic, motivational, and emotional aspects of opiate withdrawal
This study looks at how men and women might feel different symptoms when they stop using opioids, using rats to understand these differences better, so we can create more effective treatments for people struggling with opioid use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Arlington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10515136 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how men and women experience withdrawal from opioids differently, focusing on emotional and physical symptoms. By studying male and female rats, the researchers aim to identify variations in the onset, expression, and duration of withdrawal symptoms throughout the estrous cycle. The goal is to fill knowledge gaps that could lead to improved, sex-specific treatment strategies for opioid use disorder. This work is crucial for developing better patient-matching techniques for treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing opioid use disorder, particularly those who identify as female.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those who are not experiencing withdrawal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for individuals suffering from opioid withdrawal.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on opioid withdrawal, this study's focus on sex differences and its methodology is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Arlington, United States
- University of Texas Arlington — Arlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perrotti, Linda Irene — University of Texas Arlington
- Study coordinator: Perrotti, Linda Irene
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.