Pain Relief Research Study
Researchers at MUSC are conducting a study on innovative treatments for chronic pain for individuals using long-term opioid therapy.
Fast Facts
Have Been Taking Daily Prescription Opioids For 3+ Months
Able to Spend 3 Days & 3 Nights In The Sleep Lab
Compensation Provided
Conducted in South Carolina
Study Background
This study offers people with chronic pain the opportunity to “try” other treatments for chronic pain that can improve pain and quality of life – without having to come off or down on their chronic opioids.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are leading a study called ACTION to test two potential strategies for improving pain and quality of life for people on long-term opioid therapy.
This study provides close safety monitoring while participants have a one week trial of these two treatments – while staying on opioid therapy – to see if they can improve pain and quality of life.
Participants will also provide information to the research team about their experience with these 2 treatments and whether they would consider either of these treatments in the future. This study will allow participants to try “adding-on” different treatments to chronic opioid therapy, each for a one-week trial at a time:
Study Background
This study offers people with chronic pain the opportunity to “try” other treatments for chronic pain that can improve pain and quality of life – without having to come off or down on their chronic opioids.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are leading a study called ACTION to test two potential strategies for improving pain and quality of life for people on long-term opioid therapy.
This study provides close safety monitoring while participants have a one week trial of these two treatments – while staying on opioid therapy – to see if they can improve pain and quality of life.
Participants will also provide information to the research team about their experience with these 2 treatments and whether they would consider either of these treatments in the future. This study will allow participants to try “adding-on” different treatments to chronic opioid therapy, each for a one week trial at a time:
Additional Information
The ACTION study is being done to explore whether allowing people on chronic opioids for pain to “try” other pain treatments – without having to come down or off their opioid pain medications – might allow them to see if they tolerate or feel benefit from those medications before making any decisions about their opioid therapy. The ultimate goal of the ACTION Trial is to improve pain and quality of life for people on chronic opioids for pain.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- English-speaking
- Taking daily prescription opioid therapy for 90 days or more
Exclusion Criteria:
- Recieving methadone or buprenorphine treatment for OUD or pain
- Taking naltrexone
- Known seizure disorder
- Known allergy to buprenorphine
- Active moderate or severe substance use disorder with the exception of those with nicotine use disorder
- Pregnancy
If you join the study, you’ll complete a mix of in-person and remote activities over several weeks.
- You’ll begin with a brief phone screening and an in-person baseline visit. For 5 weeks, you’ll receive short daily texts or emails about your pain and mood.
- The study includes about 9 in-person visits (transportation and lodging available), including 3 days/3 nights in the MUSC sleep lab, a trial of a buprenorphine patch, and a 3-day accelerated TMS or sham treatment (all participants also receive CBT).
- You’ll also complete about 10 remote visits (phone/video interviews and brief check-ins).
- Follow-ups occur at 1, 3, and 6 months.
- Participants receive lab results, an EKG, sleep data, and medical consultations throughout the study.
Participants can receive up to $1,460 for full participation.
Baseline Visit: $60
Daily Surveys (Ecological Momentary Assessments): Up to $875
Qualitative Interviews (5 total): $25 each (up to $125)
Phase I & II Visits: $50 per visit
Follow-Ups: $50–$100 depending on visit
You may gain valuable health insights through lab work, cutting edge brain stimulation experience, and medical feedback – all at no cost to you.
There is no cost to you to participate in our research study. Transportation and lodging are available through the study.