Could a sleep aid curb opioid and stimulant use?

NCT ID NCT05546515

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether suvorexant, a sleep medication, can reduce drug use and cravings while improving sleep and stress in people being treated for both opioid and stimulant use disorders. Twenty adults stable on methadone or buprenorphine took either suvorexant or a placebo for up to 30 days. Researchers measured drug use through urine tests and tracked sleep quality.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Suvorexant (a sleep medication)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to help people in treatment for opioid use disorder also reduce stimulant use and improve sleep.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-phase study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drug may not show clear benefits over placebo.

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.

Chemically-Induced Disorders Narcotic-Related Disorders opiate dependence substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OPIOID-USE DISORDER STIMULANT USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States

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