Using oxytocin to reduce pain and opioid abuse in older adults
Official title: The Potential of Oxytocin to Reduce Opioid Abuse Liability and Pain Among Older Adults
Run by University of Florida · NCT05761860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if giving oxytocin with oxycodone can help older adults feel less pain and reduce the risk of misusing the opioid.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 45 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 12, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05761860 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults who have previously used opioids but are not currently experiencing chronic pain.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant physical diseases, major psychiatric disorders, or those currently interested in drug abuse treatment 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 the effects of oxytocin when administered alongside oxycodone to determine if it can lower the abuse potential of the opioid while enhancing pain relief. Participants will self-administer intranasal oxytocin or a placebo shortly after taking oral oxycodone or a placebo in a controlled laboratory setting. The study will involve six sessions where the effects on pain, subjective experiences, and decision-making will be evaluated. The research aims to provide insights into the safety and efficacy of combining these substances in a non-residential, double-blind, randomized format.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer pain management strategies for older adults, reducing the risk of opioid abuse.
How similar studies have gone: While the combination of oxytocin and opioids is a novel approach, preliminary research suggests potential benefits, though this specific methodology has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals fluent in English will participate. * Must report some experience with opioids (e.g., oxycodone, defined as use at least once in the subject's lifetime). * Be within 20% of their ideal body weight. * Are not currently experiencing chronic pain (pain on most days during the past 3 months) * Have a systolic blood pressure of \<=140 and diastolic blood pressure of \<= 90, and a heart rate \<= 90 beats per minute. * Participants must also have a normal electrocardiogram (EKG) reading and bloodwork indicating no major health contraindications. Exclusion Criteria: * Significant current physical disease or major (uncontrolled) psychiatric disorder. * No self-reported current interest in drug abuse treatment. * Women who are pregnant or nursing. * Any severe comorbid illicit substance use disorders or current clinically significant withdrawal for any abused drug excluding nicotine and caffeine.
Where it's running
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Meredith S Berry, PhD — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Lauren E Nieder, MSPH
- Email: lauren.nieder@ufl.edu
- Phone: (352) 294-1067
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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.