Opioid Withdrawal Medication Research Study

Researchers at Yale are evaluating the effects of a medication in opioid withdrawal. Individuals ages 18-59 who are currently using opioids are invited to participate.

Fast Facts

18-59 years old

Opioid use

compensation up to $1,775

Conducted in connecticut

Study Background

This is a 7-day long inpatient study being conducted to compare the effects of the drug dexmedetomidine (BXCL501) to lofexidine and placebo for opioid withdrawal. 

Throughout the study, participants will be given daily doses of sublingual (under the tongue) BXCL501 or placebo, oral lofexidine or placebo, along with methadone. At various times throughout the study, staff will monitor participants’ vital signs and assess participants for symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Eligible participants will receive up to $1,175 in compensation for completing the entire study.

 

Additional Information

This research study is designed to compare the effects of the drugs dexmedetomidine (BXCL501), lofexidine, and placebo on opioid withdrawal. This study may lead to advances in medication development efforts for the treatment of opioid withdrawal.

You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Between the ages of 18-59
  • Current diagnosis of opioid use disorder
  • No significant substance use disorder other than for opioids or nicotine
  • Not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • No current use of methadone or buprenorphine

If you decide to participate in this clinical research study you will attend up to 4 screening visits, during which a clinical psychiatric & medical interview, physical, routine labs, ECG, urine toxicology testing, psychological assessments, & demographic surveys will take place. Screening will take around 2-3 hours.

Once deemed eligible, participants will be admitted for a week to the Yale Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit (CNRU), which is a psychiatric unit located within the Connecticut Mental Health Center.

Eligible participants can receive up to $1,775 for their participation.

There is no cost to participate in this study.