Can stress make painkillers more risky? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT05142267

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study looks at how stress changes the way opioid painkillers work in people with chronic back pain. Researchers will give participants oxycodone, a pain blocker, or a placebo in a lab setting to measure pain relief and drug liking. The goal is to understand why some people may be at higher risk for misusing pain medications when stressed.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Oxycodone and naloxone (given in controlled lab sessions to study pain response)
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help identify why some people are more likely to misuse opioid painkillers, leading to better prevention strategies.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage observational study with only 120 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the lab setting may not reflect real-world stress and pain.

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.

Back Pain opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BACK PAIN OPIOID USE DISORDER STRESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
RECRUITING

Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States

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