Understanding brain activity related to fentanyl and drug liking
Official title: Characterizing the EEG Signature of Fentanyl and Its Association With Drug Liking
Run by Stanford University · NCT06699953 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06699953 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for general surgery who will receive fentanyl for anesthesia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of opiate abuse, severe chronic pain conditions, or contraindications for MRI will 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 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.
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 gone: While studies have explored EEG biomarkers in relation to opioids, this specific approach focusing on fentanyl and drug liking is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Stanford Hospital
Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: purdonclinical@stanford.edu
- Phone: 617-777-5838
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.