Could a sleep drug curb opioid cravings? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT05829655

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-phase study at the University of Maryland is testing whether suvorexant, a sleep medication, can reduce the desire for drugs in people with opioid use disorder. Researchers will measure how much participants are willing to 'pay' for a study drug in a lab task, and whether suvorexant changes that demand. The study involves 75 adults with moderate to severe opioid use disorder who are not seeking treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: suvorexant
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new way to reduce cravings and drug use in people with opioid use disorder.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (75 people) testing a drug for a non-FDA-approved purpose, so results may not lead to a treatment. The primary outcomes measure behavior in a lab setting, not real-world drug use.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OPIOID DEPENDENCE OPIOID-USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

General Clinical Research Center
RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

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