Understanding brain activity related to fentanyl and drug liking

Characterizing the EEG Signature of Fentanyl and Its Association With Drug Liking

Stanford University · NCT06699953

This study looks at how fentanyl affects brain activity and how that relates to how much people like the drug, focusing on adults who will receive fentanyl during surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorStanford University (other)
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
Trial IDNCT06699953 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to characterize an electroencephalogram (EEG) biomarker associated with fentanyl administration and explore its relationship with patients' perceptions of drug liking. Participants will be adults scheduled for general surgical procedures who will receive fentanyl as part of their anesthesia. The study will analyze brain activity through EEG to identify specific signals linked to the effects of fentanyl. By understanding these connections, researchers hope to gain insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying opioid use and preferences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for general surgery who will receive fentanyl for anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of opiate abuse, severe chronic pain conditions, or contraindications for MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of opioid use and addiction, potentially informing safer prescribing practices.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored EEG biomarkers in relation to opioids, this specific approach focusing on fentanyl and drug liking is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years old or above (male and female)
2. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification of I, II or III
3. Candidates scheduled for general surgical procedures under general anesthesia and receive fentanyl for surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Craniofacial abnormalities
2. Known or suspected difficult intubation or mask ventilation
3. Known or suspected need for rapid sequence induction and intubation
4. Body mass index above 45 kg/m2
5. Allergies to fentanyl
6. History of obstructive sleep apnea requiring CPAP
7. History of obstructive or restrictive lung disease
8. Opiate use within 24 hours
9. History of opiate abuse within the last 3 years
10. Known or suspected severe chronic pain condition that require use of opiates or limit daily activities
11. MRI contraindications, such as presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Brain Activity Related to Opioid Administration, Brain Activity Related to Drug Liking, opioid crisis, neuroscience, EEG, drug liking, fentanyl, anesthesia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.