A Within Subject Comparison of Opioid Withdrawal in Opioid Dependent Individuals
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2012-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Buprenorphine is an approved medication for the treatment of opioid dependence. It is
typically administered once daily as a sublingual tablet combined with naloxone (i.e.,
Suboxone). Evidence suggests buprenorphine produces relatively low levels of physical
dependence. In addition, some research suggests there is relatively little withdrawal
following cessation of chronically administered buprenorphine. This study will examine the
spontaneous withdrawal associated with abrupt cessation of buprenorphine compared to morphine
in opioid dependent individuals. This study will assess the characteristics and time course
of withdrawal using subject-rated and observer-rated measures of opioid withdrawal.
Physiologic measures and psychomotor performance will be collected during chronic opioid
administration and during placebo administration (i.e., during spontaneous withdrawal).
Particular attention will be paid to the differences (if any) in sleep disturbances and
withdrawal associated hyperalgesia.