Investigating treatments for sleep apnea in veterans using opioids
Official title: Targeting Chemoreceptor Control of Breathing During Sleep to Mitigate Opioid-Associated Sleep Disordered Breathing
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05589753 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether certain treatments can help veterans with sleep apnea who use opioids breathe better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Detroit, Michigan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 2, 2019 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05589753 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 18-89 who are currently prescribed opioids.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant comorbidities such as severe respiratory diseases or untreated psychiatric disorders 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 aims to explore the effects of chronic prescription opioid use on sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in veterans, particularly focusing on central sleep apnea (CSA). It will investigate whether interventions such as sustained hyperoxia and acetazolamide can effectively reduce unstable breathing and alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. The study will also assess various clinical parameters, including quality of life, sleep, and pain in both opioid users and non-users. By understanding the mechanisms contributing to SDB in opioid users, the research seeks to develop new personalized therapies for this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new treatment options for veterans suffering from sleep apnea associated with opioid use.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting this combination of factors, the study's approach is novel and aims to address a significant gap in understanding the relationship between opioid use and sleep apnea.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans, age 18-89 years * Veterans with prescription opioids Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with BMI\>40kg/m2 will be excluded to avoid the effects of morbid obesity on pulmonary mechanics and ventilatory control * Patients with history of unresolved/untreated cardiac disease, including recent myocardial infarction, recent bypass surgery, untreated atrial and ventricular tachy-bradycardias * Congestive heart failure with Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) * Current unstable angina * Recent stroke * Untreated schizophrenia * Untreated hypothyroidism * Unresolved seizure disorder * Severe respiratory, neurological, liver and renal diseases * Unstable psychiatric disorders/untreated PTSD * Traumatic brain injury * Pregnant women * Significant sleep disorder such as narcolepsy, parasomnias disorder * Failure to give informed consent * Patients on tramadol and suboxone/buprenorphine
Where it's running
-
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI
Detroit, Michigan, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Susmita Chowdhuri, MD MS — John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI
- Study coordinator: Ruchi Rastogi, MS
- Email: ruchi.rastogi@va.gov
- Phone: (313) 576-4464
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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.