Using Vitamin C to Reduce Opioid Use After Emergency Treatment for Pain

Impact of Vitamin C on the Reduction of Opioid Consumption After an Emergency Department Visit for Acute Musculoskeletal Pain: A Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial Protocol

This study is testing if taking vitamin C can help people who leave the emergency room with pain use fewer opioids over two weeks.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 464 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Centre Integre Universitaire de Sante et Services Sociaux du Nord de l'ile de Montreal (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
• Trial ID: NCT05555576 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effect of vitamin C on opioid consumption in patients discharged from the emergency department with acute musculoskeletal pain. It involves a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design with 464 participants, who will receive either 1,000 mg of vitamin C or a placebo twice daily for 14 days. The primary goal is to compare the total morphine equivalent pills consumed by both groups during a two-week follow-up. Additionally, the study will assess the potential impact of vitamin C on the incidence of chronic pain and complex regional pain syndromes at three months post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who have been treated in the emergency department for acute musculoskeletal pain lasting less than two weeks and are discharged with an opioid prescription.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of opioid use, chronic pain conditions, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to reduced opioid consumption and improved pain management for patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have shown vitamin C's analgesic properties in postoperative settings, this approach in the context of acute musculoskeletal injuries is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18 and over;
2. Treated in ED for acute musculoskeletal pain present for less than 2 weeks;
3. Discharged with an opioid prescription;
4. Speaks French or English.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Opioid use 1 month prior to the ED visit;
2. Already taking vitamin C supplement;
3. Active cancer;
4. Treated for chronic pain;
5. Treated for opioid use disorder;
6. Unable to fill out diary or unavailable for follow-up;
7. Any allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to milk (lactose) or morphine
8. Treated with cyclosporin or coumadin
9. Pregnant or lactating (dosage \> 1,800 mg not recommended. For women of child-bearing age and sexually active in the past 3 months, a urine pregnancy test will be performed.)

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

• Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Raoul Daoust, MD MSc — Université de Montréal
• Study coordinator: Martin Marquis, MSc

Conditions: Pain, Acute, Vitamin C, Opioids, Emergency department, Pain