Can oxytocin curb opioid abuse? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT04218409
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase study at the University of Florida is testing whether combining oxytocin (a nasal spray) with the opioid oxycodone can reduce pain while lowering the drug's abuse potential. Forty-five healthy adults who have used opioids recreationally will take part in six lab sessions. Researchers will measure pain relief, subjective effects, and brain activity to see if the combination works better than either drug alone.
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 and oxycodone oral tablets
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a way to make opioid painkillers safer and less addictive.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small lab study in healthy recreational users, not patients with chronic pain. Results may not translate to real-world use.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Florida
RECRUITINGGainesville, Florida, 32611, United States