NCT05829655 · University of Maryland, Baltimore
Measuring Acute Drug Demand in Humans
What this study is about
This research is being done to evaluate whether suvorexant may reduce the use of, subjective liking, and demand for various drugs.
View original scientific description
This research is being done to evaluate whether suvorexant may reduce the use of, subjective liking, and demand for various drugs.
Interventions
DRUG
Drug A (Blinded Drug)
Participants will receive a double-blinded oral study medication as part of their daily sessions and will provide feedback regarding the effects of the medication on various measures. Though the study medications are FDA approved, they are being used here for a non-FDA approved purpose (though the FDA has provided permission to use these drugs in this study).
DRUG
Drug B (Blinded Drug)
Participants will receive a double-blinded oral study medication as part of their daily sessions and will provide feedback regarding the effects of the medication on various measures. Though the study medications are FDA approved, they are being used here for a non-FDA approved purpose (though the FDA has provided permission to use these drugs in this study).
DRUG
Drug C (Blinded Drug)
Participants will receive a double-blinded oral study medication as part of their daily sessions and will provide feedback regarding the effects of the medication on various measures. Though the study medications are FDA approved, they are being used here for a non-FDA approved purpose (though the FDA has provided permission to use these drugs in this study).
DRUG
Drug D (Blinded Drug)
Participants will receive a double-blinded oral study medication as part of their daily sessions and will provide feedback regarding the effects of the medication on various measures. Though the study medications are FDA approved, they are being used here for a non-FDA approved purpose (though the FDA has provided permission to use these drugs in this study).
DRUG
Suvorexant (20mg/day)
Double blind administration of suvorexant once per day during residential stay until discharge.
DRUG
Placebo
Double blind administration of placebo once per day during residential stay until discharge.
Primary outcome measures
Demand Intensity
Time frame: Upon completion of experimental session (~8 hours post drug administration)
Consumption of blinded drug at unconstrained price as measured by an incentivized demand task. Minimum value is 0, maximum value is not constrained. Higher scores indicate more drug consumption at unconstrained price (a worse outcome).
Demand Elasticity
Time frame: Upon completion of experimental session (~8 hours post drug administration)
Changes in blinded drug consumption with changes in price as measured by an incentivized demand task. There is no minimum or maximum value. Higher scores indicate greater drug price sensitivity (a better outcome).
Cross-Price Elasticity
Time frame: After Experimental Session 4
Change in consumption of price-fixed good based on change in price of price varying good. Positive values indicate a substitute, negative values indicate a complement, and zero values indicate an independent commodity.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age between 18 and 65 years old
- Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 criteria for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) (moderate or severe)
- Lifetime substance use history criterion \[blinded\]
- Medically cleared to take suvorexant and blinded study medications
- Be in good general health based on a physical examination, medical history, vital signs, and screening urine and blood tests
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnant or breast feeding
- Seeking opioid use treatment
- Significant mental health or physical disorder that is expected to interfere with study participation as assessed by the study physicians or medical staff
- Known contraindications or allergies to suvorexant and/or the blinded study medications
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations