Morphine for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
(OIRD Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications. The trial excludes participants using medications that affect breathing, such as other opioids, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and some antidepressants. It's important to discuss your current medications with the trial team to see if any changes are needed.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug morphine for obstructive sleep apnea?
Some studies suggest that morphine may improve certain aspects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by affecting breathing reflexes, but results vary widely among individuals. However, other research indicates that morphine does not significantly change key sleep and respiratory outcomes in OSA patients compared to a placebo.12345
Is morphine generally safe for humans?
How does the drug morphine differ from other treatments for obstructive sleep apnea?
Morphine is unique in its potential to improve obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by modulating chemoreflexes, despite the common belief that opioids worsen OSA. Unlike other treatments, morphine's effect on OSA shows significant variability among individuals, possibly due to differences in how people metabolize the drug.123411
What is the purpose of this trial?
The investigators are studying the impact that opioids have on breathing during sleep in healthy participants and those diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
Research Team
Danny J Eckert, PhD
Principal Investigator
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for healthy individuals and those with obstructive sleep apnea to study how opioids affect their breathing during sleep. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically include age range, health status, and absence of conditions that could interfere with the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either morphine or placebo to study the impact on respiratory drive during sleep
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Morphine
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Lead Sponsor