Plain-English translation of NCT05905419 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This research study is investigating how opioid medications — which are commonly prescribed for chronic pain — affect the brain and spinal cord over time. Researchers will use brain imaging (MRI and fMRI scans) along with behavioral tests and questionnaires to understand the neurological changes that happen at different times during opioid treatment. The study will compare women taking opioids, women with chronic pain who don't take opioids, and healthy women without chronic pain.
While opioids are a standard treatment for chronic pain, there's still a lot scientists don't understand about how the medication affects the brain itself. This study aims to fill that knowledge gap by mapping the brain changes that occur during different phases of opioid therapy, which could help doctors better understand long-term effects and improve pain management strategies.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you're taking opioids for chronic pain, you'll visit the study site twice — once during a time when the medication is at its peak effect in your body, and once when it's at a lower level. If you have chronic pain but don't take opioids, or if you're a healthy control participant, you'll have one visit. At each visit, you'll have brain imaging scans (MRI and fMRI), complete behavioral tasks on a computer, undergo sensory testing, answer questionnaires about your pain and mood, and have blood drawn. The entire process takes a few hours per visit.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 9, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Duke University
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Enrollment target
~140 participants
Started
June 2023
Primary completion
June 2027
Age range
18 Years and older
Sex
Female only
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in June 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
HAPN Lab Manager
Duke University
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.