Love hormone may curb opioid addiction risk in seniors

NCT ID NCT05761860

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.

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.

Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Florida

    RECRUITING

    Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact