Using open-label placebos to help reduce opioid use in chronic pain patients
Conditioned Open-label Placebos to Facilitate the Reduction of Opioid Medication (ROM) in Patients With Chronic Non-cancer Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether using open-label placebos can help people with chronic pain reduce their use of opioids like morphine.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 86 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich, Canton of Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT06350786 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of open-label placebos (OLP) in reducing the daily morphine equivalent dose (MED) in patients suffering from chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). Participants will be divided into two groups, one receiving the OLP intervention and the other receiving electronic monitoring (EM) as a control. Over six weeks, various psychological and health measures will be assessed through questionnaires, alongside evaluations of opioid withdrawal symptoms and safety outcomes. The hypothesis is that those receiving OLP will show a significant reduction in opioid consumption compared to the control group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are German-speaking adults aged 18 and older with chronic non-cancer pain lasting at least six months and currently on opioid medication.
Not a fit: Patients with psychotic symptoms, cognitive impairments, or serious health issues that prevent participation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel method for reducing opioid dependency in patients with chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that open-label placebos can be effective in managing chronic pain, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Signed Informed Consent * ≥ 18 years of age * German speaking * Chronic non-cancer pain ≥ 6 months in duration * Chronic opioid medication for \> 3 months * Oral intake of opioid medication * Motivation for opioid reduction * Participants have a primary treating physician who performs the reduction of the opioid medication * Having access to a computer or tablet with an email-account Exclusion Criteria: * Having psychotic symptoms * Suicidality * Cognitive impairment to everyday life * Planned surgery within the next two months * Known illegal drug or harmful alcohol consumption * Intolerance of the ingredients of the placebo pill (e.g., lactose, sucrose, corn-starch) * Serious health problems that make study participation impossible * Simultaneous participation in other studies with investigational drugs or CNCP specific interventions
Where this trial is running
Zurich, Canton of Zurich
- University Hospital Zurich, Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine — Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cosima Locher, PhD — Usz
- Study coordinator: Cosima Locher, PhD
- Email: Cosima.Locher@usz.ch
- Phone: +41 44 255 12 03
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.