Using oxytocin to help reduce opioid use and manage pain in older adults
Official title: The potential of oxytocin to reduce opioid abuse liability and pain among older adults
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10832111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a nasal spray of oxytocin can help older adults manage their pain with opioids like oxycodone while also lowering the chances of becoming addicted to them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $190,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA056813-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10832111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 50 and above who are experiencing chronic pain and are currently prescribed opioid medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing chronic pain or those who are not prescribed opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of oxytocin, a neuropeptide, to be administered intranasally alongside opioids to help manage pain while reducing the risk of opioid abuse in older adults. The study aims to explore how oxytocin can maintain the pain-relieving effects of opioids like oxycodone without the associated addiction risks. By focusing on older adults, who often face chronic pain and are at higher risk for opioid use disorder, the research seeks to provide a safer pain management alternative. Participants may receive oxytocin in conjunction with their prescribed opioid medications to evaluate its effectiveness in pain relief and reducing opioid cravings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer pain management strategies for older adults, reducing the risk of opioid addiction while effectively controlling pain.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests that combining oxytocin with opioids may effectively reduce addiction potential, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berry, Meredith — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Berry, Meredith
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.