Opioid tapering trial aims to help chronic pain patients cut back

NCT ID NCT03485430

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Lund University Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether slowly reducing prescribed opioids (tapering) can help people with long-term chronic pain use fewer painkillers without worsening their pain or quality of life. 140 adults on daily opioids for chronic non-cancer pain were randomly assigned to start tapering right away or wait 4 months. Nurses provided weekly support during the tapering process. The study measured changes in opioid use, pain levels, and overall well-being over 12 months.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: tapering (slowly reducing prescribed opioids)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could help people with chronic pain safely reduce their dependence on opioids while still managing pain effectively.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with 140 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Tapering can cause withdrawal symptoms or increased pain, and not all patients may be able to reduce their opioid use.

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.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome opioid abuse substance withdrawal syndrome substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANALGESICS, OPIOID CHRONIC PAIN OPIOID USE OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Lund University Hospital

Lund, Skåne County, 22100, Sweden
Pain and rehabilitation centre Linköping University Hospital

Linköping, Östergötland County, Sweden
Paincentre Sahlgrenska University Hospital

Gothenburg, Västra Götaland County, Sweden

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