Opioid Use Disorder Research Study
Researchers from Maryland Opioid Research (MOR) at John Hopkins University are conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment medication for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
Fast Facts
Individuals ages 18-75
Currently use opioids recreationally
Interested in receiving treatment for opioid use
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Baltimore, MD
Study Background
Are you seeking treatment for opioid use?
Opioid dependence is a major public health issue, with withdrawal symptoms making treatment difficult. Lofexidine is an FDA-approved drug specifically for managing these withdrawal symptoms. Buspirone (Buspar), on the other hand, is approved for anxiety but not for opioid withdrawal. However, it might help with withdrawal due to its effects on brain chemicals.
This study will test whether buspirone can reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms when used during a supervised taper. We will compare its effects to lofexidine, a standard treatment, and a placebo (an inactive substance). This comparison will help us understand if buspirone could be a useful option for treating opioid withdrawal.
Further research today and join our compensated study!
Principal Investigator: Cecilia Bergeria, Ph.D. Protocol # IRB00315529
Study Background
Are you seeking treatment for opioid use?
Opioid dependence is a major public health issue, with withdrawal symptoms making treatment difficult. Lofexidine is an FDA-approved drug specifically for managing these withdrawal symptoms. Buspirone (Buspar), on the other hand, is approved for anxiety but not for opioid withdrawal. However, it might help with withdrawal due to its effects on brain chemicals.
This study will test whether buspirone can reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms when used during a supervised taper. We will compare its effects to lofexidine, a standard treatment, and a placebo (an inactive substance). This comparison will help us understand if buspirone could be a useful option for treating opioid withdrawal.
Further research today and join our compensated study!
Additional Information
Researchers at Maryland Opioid Research (MOR) from Johns Hopkins University are investigating a treatment medication to determine how effective it is for people with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). This study aims to find out if the medication can improve outcomes for individuals struggling with this condition.
You may qualify for this study if you have a meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-75
- Currently use opioids recreationally (e.g., heroin, morphine, oxycodone) and interested in seeking treatment
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently taking methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to treat opioid use
- Dependent on other substance such as alcohol or other drugs
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Significant mental health or physical disorder expected to interfere with participation
If you participate in this study, you will first attend a screening visit. If you qualify, you’ll stay overnight at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for 10 to 14 days. During your stay, you’ll receive oral hydromorphone to stabilize your condition.
You will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) buspirone, (2) lofexidine, or (3) a placebo, which will be given during your opioid taper. You may experience some withdrawal symptoms as you are tapered off opioids.
Throughout the study, you’ll answer questions about your withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and cravings. You will also complete tasks involving viewing pictures related to opioid use and ranking your cravings, as well as another task designed to induce stress and measure your stress and cravings. After the taper, you will have the option to start taking buprenorphine/naloxone or naltrexone.
You can earn up to $1,830 for your participation in this study.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
