Droperidol for Addiction
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether droperidol, a drug commonly used during surgeries, can alter perceptions of drugs like fentanyl. Participants will receive either droperidol or a placebo before their procedure to assess its impact on their liking for fentanyl. The trial is open to individuals scheduled to receive fentanyl during surgery who do not have significant lung diseases or a history of drug abuse. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how droperidol works in people, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking medical knowledge.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications, including droperidol, levodopa, lithium, clozapine, metoclopramide, benzodiazepines, and opioids. If you are currently using any of these, you would need to stop before participating.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that droperidol is generally safe in small amounts. A review found that low doses of droperidol (less than 2.5 mg) rarely caused serious heart issues. Another study demonstrated that droperidol effectively calms patients with sudden behavior problems in emergency rooms. Among a large group of patients who received droperidol in these situations, no deaths were reported. Past studies also highlight droperidol's quick action and relative safety. Overall, these findings suggest that droperidol is well-tolerated in different situations, though monitoring for any heart-related side effects remains important.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Most treatments for addiction focus on blocking cravings or substituting the addictive substance with a less harmful one, like methadone or buprenorphine for opioid addiction. But droperidol works differently, targeting the brain's dopamine receptors to potentially reduce the rewarding effects of addictive substances like fentanyl. This unique mechanism of action could mean droperidol offers a novel way to address addiction, which is why researchers are excited about its potential.
What evidence suggests that Droperidol might be an effective treatment for addiction?
Research has shown that droperidol calms individuals who are very agitated or aggressive. Studies have found that it works quickly, often within 30 minutes. In emergencies, droperidol proves as effective as other common calming medications and does not cause breathing problems. Experts agree that droperidol is both effective and safe for calming individuals. In this trial, participants will receive either droperidol or a placebo before fentanyl administration for their procedure. Although droperidol hasn't been specifically tested for addiction, its ability to reduce agitation might be beneficial in such cases.23467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Patrick L Purdon, PhD
Principal Investigator
Stanford University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This clinical trial is open to individuals who are being evaluated for potential addiction. The specific eligibility criteria have not been provided, so it's important to contact the study organizers for detailed information on who can participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either Droperidol or placebo prior to fentanyl administration, with monitoring of drug liking and EEG changes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Droperidol
- Placebo
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor