Love hormone may curb opioid addiction risk in seniors

NCT ID NCT05761860

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Florida Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-phase study tests whether giving oxytocin (a nasal spray) alongside oxycodone can reduce the drug's abuse potential while still easing pain. Researchers will measure pain response, subjective effects, and decision-making in 45 healthy older adults over six lab sessions. The goal is to see if oxytocin can make opioids safer without losing their painkilling power.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: oxytocin nasal spray
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to make opioid painkillers safer and less addictive for older adults.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small lab study (45 people) in healthy older adults without chronic pain. Results may not apply to real-world pain patients, and the combination's safety and effectiveness are far from proven.

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.

Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Florida
RECRUITING

Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States

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