Actively Recruiting
Non-invasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Opioid Use Disorders UH3
Led by Emory University · Updated on 2026-03-27
103
Participants Needed
6
Research Sites
162 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
E
Emory University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study is being done to answer the question: what is the effect of Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) dosing on opioid withdrawal responses in individuals with a history of Opioid Use Disorders (OUDs)? Eligible participants will be in the study for one week in an inpatient research hospital stay, have an MRI scan, and have a follow-up call 1-3 months after their inpatient stay. Participants will complete several psychiatric questionnaires/interviews, physiological monitoring with several devices, brain imaging, and VNS testing.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Non-invasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Opioid Use Disorders UH3
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Meet criteria for Opioid Use Disorders based on DSM5 criteria
- Willing to undergo supervised withdrawal
- Willing to transition to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) or behavioral management during treatment aftercare
You will not qualify if you...
- Positive pregnancy test or breastfeeding for women
- History of meningitis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Current treatment with methadone, naltrexone, or Suboxone or medications contraindicated with hydromorphone or clonidine
- History of head trauma with loss of consciousness over one minute not related to overdose
- Moderate to severe non-opioid use disorders in the past year requiring separate withdrawal
- Current or lifetime schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bulimia
- Serious medical or neurological illness including liver disease or elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT) over three times normal
- Lack of venous access preventing PET imaging
- Active implantable device like pacemaker or other VNS device
- History of shrapnel or foreign bodies preventing MRI scanning
- Positive COVID-19 test
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 6 locations
1
Emory University Clinical Research Network
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30322
Actively Recruiting
2
Health Sciences Research Building
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30322
Not Yet Recruiting
3
Rollins School of Public Health
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30322
Actively Recruiting
4
12 Executive Park Drive
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30329
Actively Recruiting
5
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30329
Actively Recruiting
6
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30332
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
James D Bremner, MD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here