Effects of acupuncture on opioid pain relief in fibromyalgia patients
Official title: Analgesic Response to Opioids in Patients With Fibromyalgia After Conventional Acupuncture Versus Sham Acupuncture
Run by University of California, Irvine · NCT06571110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if traditional acupuncture can make opioid pain relief better for people with fibromyalgia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Irvine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Irvine, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06571110 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia for over six months who are currently on chronic opioid therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of substance use disorder, active mental health diagnoses, or those who have recently tried acupuncture may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates whether traditional acupuncture can enhance the pain-relieving effects of opioids in patients with fibromyalgia. Participants will receive either traditional acupuncture or sham acupuncture and will complete a validated pain inventory before and after the treatment. The hypothesis is that traditional acupuncture may improve the binding of the mu-opioid receptor, leading to better pain management. The study aims to provide insights into the combined effects of acupuncture and opioid therapy for chronic pain relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve pain management strategies for fibromyalgia patients using opioids.
How similar studies have gone: While acupuncture has been studied for various pain conditions, this specific approach combining acupuncture with opioid therapy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Are 18 - 80 years old * have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia for more than 6 months * Are already using chronic, continuous opioid therapy, including but not limited to the use of Hydrocodone (Norco), Oxycodone (Percocet), morphine, methadone or Tylenol #3 daily * Have moderate to excruciating pain at baseline, determined by a 5 or greater score on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Exclusion Criteria: * Are younger than 18 or older than 80 years old * Have been diagnosed with a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) * Pregnant * Have an active litigation or worker's compensation case * Have an active mental health diagnosis, such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal ideation * Are prescribed and actively using low dose Naltrexone . Have tried acupuncture in the last 6 months
Where it's running
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UCI Health Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute
Irvine, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ariana Nelson, MD — University of California, Irvine
- Study coordinator: Shima Khanahmadi, MD
- Email: skhanahm@hs.uci.edu
- Phone: 6262550574
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.