Patients are searching for this trial right now

This page is already ranking on Google. Activate it to start receiving pre-qualified patient leads directly in your inbox.

14-day free trial · $44/mo after · Cancel anytime · Money-back guarantee

NCT07218549 · Christopher D. Verrico

Evaluation of the Safety and Effects of Psychoactive Substances in People With Past Opioid Use

What this study is about

The purpose of this study is to understand how kratom affects people. In this study, kratom will be compared with another substance and a placebo (an inactive substance). Researchers will also study how the substances move through and affect the body.

View original scientific description

The purpose of this study is to understand how kratom affects people. In this study, kratom will be compared with another substance and a placebo (an inactive substance). Researchers will also study how the substances move through and affect the body. This includes examining how the body absorbs, processes, and eliminates the drug (pharmacokinetics), as well as how the drug affects the body and how it may make you feel (pharmacodynamics). The information collected will help researchers better understand the effects and potential risks of kratom.

Interventions

DRUG

Placebo

Placebo: A single dose of placebo to match kratom (over-encapsulated placebo in 32 opaque 00 capsules) will be administered orally.

DRUG

Oxycodone HCl

Active Control: A single 30 mg dose of oxycodone (1 X 30 mg tablet over-encapsulated placebo in 32 opaque 00 capsules) will be administered orally.

DRUG

Kratom 8g

Kratom: A single 8 g dose of kratom (in 32 opaque 00 capsules) will be administered orally.

DRUG

Kratom 12g

Kratom: A single 12 g dose of kratom (in 32 opaque 00 capsules) will be administered orally.

DRUG

Kratom 16g

Kratom: A single 16 g dose of kratom (in 32 opaque 00 capsules) will be administered orally.

DRUG

Kratom 4g

Kratom: A single 4 g dose of kratom (in 32 opaque 00 capsules) will be administered orally.

Primary outcome measures

Drug Liking Visual Analog Scale

Time frame: From Treatment Week 1 to Treatment Week 8

The primary endpoint of this study will be maximum (peak) effect (Emax) over 24 hours for Drug Liking ("at this moment"), assessed on a bipolar (0 to 100 points) visual analog scale (VAS).

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

  • English-speaking, 18- to 55-year-old males or females.
  • Female subjects must have a negative serum pregnancy test at time of screening and negative urine pregnancy test upon admission. In addition, female subjects must meet one of the following conditions:
  • Is a woman of non-childbearing potential defined as no menses for at least 12 months with status confirmed by FSH and estradiol levels at screening or surgically sterile at screening visit OR
  • Is a woman of childbearing potential and using a contraceptive method that is highly effective, with a failure rate of \<1%, from Screening until 9 months after receiving the study medication. The investigator should evaluate the potential for contraceptive method failure (e.g., noncompliance, recently initiated) in relationship to the dose of study intervention.
  • Male subjects must agree to the following from Day 1 until 9 months after receiving the study medication: • Not donate fresh unwashed semen Plus, either:
  • Be abstinent from heterosexual intercourse as their preferred and usual lifestyle (abstinent on a long term and persistent basis) and agree to remain abstinent OR
  • Use a male condom and should also be advised of the benefit for a female partner to use a highly effective method of contraception as a condom may break or leak when having sexual intercourse with a woman of childbearing potential who is not currently pregnant.
  • Use a male condom when engaging in any activity that allows for passage of ejaculate to another person
  • Physically healthy, as determined by a clinical interview with a physician, laboratory tests (urinalysis, blood chemistry, 12-lead ECG), physical examination, and self-reported medical history.
  • No current or past diagnosis of severe mental illness, as determined by a clinical interview.
  • Clinical laboratory test results (CMP, CBC, etc.) must be within the normal reference range or with acceptable deviations that are judged to be not clinically significant by a study physician.
  • Have a history of self-reported recreational opioid use as defined by at least 10 times in the past year and at least once in the 12 weeks before screening.
  • Able and willing to give signed informed consent, reliable, and willing to make themselves available for the study's duration and follow study procedures.
  • Agree not to consume any recreational drugs during the study (THC is excluded).
  • Able to perform study procedures as determined by clinical judgment.
  • Able to meet eligibility requirements of the Qualification Phase (i.e., drug discrimination) and Naloxone Challenges.

Exclusion criteria

  • Seeking treatment for a substance or alcohol use disorder as determined by self-report during the intake interview.
  • Current or past diagnosis of opioid use disorder or other substance use disorder (SUD) within the past year, excluding THC and nicotine-containing products. With regard to marijuana/THC, an individual must be able to tolerate 48 hours of abstinence from marijuana/THC products.
  • History of opioid overdose.
  • Using medication or supplements that might interact with kratom or oxycodone as determined by self-report during intake interview.
  • Treatment with any investigational drug during the last 30 days.
  • Participants on parole or probation.
  • Currently pregnant or trying to conceive or currently lactating as determined by blood pregnancy testing at screening, urine pregnancy testing at admission, and self-reporting during interview and study visits.
  • Current or recent history of significant violent or suicidal behavior or suicidal/homicidal risk as determined by the C-SSRS.
  • Sensitivity, allergy, or contraindications/allergies to kratom, opioids, or similar compounds.
  • Use prescription or nonprescription drugs and dietary supplements within seven days or five half-lives (whichever is longer) that, in the opinion of the study clinician may interfere with the investigational product.
  • Positive urine drug screen (UDS) for substances of abuse at each admission in the Qualification and Treatment phases, excluding tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If a participant presents with a positive UDS excluding THC at any admission or any visit, the investigator, at their discretion, may reschedule a repeat of UDS until the UDS is negative, excluding THC, before the participant is permitted to participate in any phase of the study.
  • Positive alcohol breathalyzer test at each admission in the Qualification and Treatment Phase.
  • History of sensitivity to heparin or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
  • Has not donated blood or plasma within the last six weeks.
  • Has a history of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors.
  • Has gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.
  • Has a history of seizure disorders.
  • Has a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale.
  • Has a history of anemia or any other significant hematologic disorder.
  • Has a condition or abnormality that, in the opinion of the PI or Study Physician, would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data.
  • Has a major surgery planned within the next 6 months.

Where

  • Houston, Texas

Collaborators

Baylor College of Medicine

Related conditions & keywords

Opioid UseSubstance Use DisordersOpioid Analgesia

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 Sep 28, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

📊
1 of 72 participants interested
1% interest

See if this study fits

A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

Preparing your pre-screening questions…

Study locations

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

RECRUITING

Houston

Texas

Location available

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

Find More Substance Use Disorder Trials by City

Browse all substance use disorder clinical trials in these cities — not just this study.

Looking for Opioid Use Treatment in Houston?

Join others in Texas exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Opioid Use Treatment Options in Houston, Texas

If you're searching for Opioid Use treatment in Houston, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Houston and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Opioid Use. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Texas
Now Enrolling
Up to 72 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Opioid Use?

Potential Benefits

  • ✓Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • ✓Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • ✓Study-related care provided at no cost
  • ✓Contribute to medical research for Opioid Use

What to Expect

  • →Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • →Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • →Possible compensation for time and travel
  • →You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Opioid Use Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT07218549. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.