New combo tackles chronic pain without opioids

NCT ID NCT04395001

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether combining a non-opioid pain medication (duloxetine) with an online pain-coping skills program helps people with long-term muscle and joint pain. 280 adults with daily pain for at least 3 months took part. The goal was to see if this approach reduces pain severity and improves physical function better than either treatment alone.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

duloxetine (a non-opioid pain medication) and web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (pain-coping skills training)

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could offer a more effective, non-opioid way to manage chronic pain and improve daily function.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 4 study, so the drugs are already approved, but the combination may not prove significantly better than either alone. Side effects from duloxetine (e.g., increased blood pressure) are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Wake Forest Baptist Health Department of Rheumatology

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States