Using buspirone to help treat opioid withdrawal symptoms

Evaluating a Mechanistically-Supported Pharmacotherapy to Treat Acute and Protracted Opioid Withdrawal

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10878779

This study is looking at how well the medication buspirone can help people with opioid use disorder feel better during and after they reduce their use of morphine, and if you join, you'll help us learn more about how it can make treatment easier for others.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10878779 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of buspirone, a medication that may help alleviate both acute and protracted withdrawal symptoms in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). Participants will undergo a structured treatment plan that includes a morphine tapering process, followed by outpatient support where their symptoms and cravings will be closely monitored. The study aims to provide a thorough evaluation of buspirone's safety and efficacy as an adjunct therapy during and after the tapering process. By participating, individuals will contribute to understanding how this medication can improve treatment outcomes for those struggling with opioid dependence.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are undergoing or have recently undergone opioid tapering.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing opioid withdrawal or those who are not diagnosed with opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for individuals experiencing opioid withdrawal, potentially reducing relapse rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for buspirone in treating withdrawal symptoms, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.