Brain scans reveal Dopamine's role in chronic pain

NCT ID NCT05285683

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Rochester Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study explores how dopamine, a brain chemical linked to motivation, influences chronic pain. Ten adults with chronic pain will receive two dopamine-boosting drugs (methylphenidate and carbidopa-levodopa) or a placebo, then undergo brain scans to measure changes in key pain-related areas. The goal is to understand the brain's pain signature, not to treat pain directly.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: methylphenidate and carbidopa-levodopa
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how dopamine influences chronic pain in the brain, pointing toward new treatment targets.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early-phase study with only 10 participants, focused on brain changes rather than pain relief, so results may not lead to treatments.

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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.

CHRONIC PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Rochester Medical Center
RECRUITING

Rochester, New York, 14642, United States

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