Oral Methadone for Post-Surgery Pain
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug methadone for post-surgery pain?
Is oral methadone safe for post-surgery pain management?
Methadone has been shown to reduce the need for other pain medications after surgery and generally provides good pain relief, but it carries risks such as respiratory depression (trouble breathing) and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). It is important to weigh these risks against its benefits, and more studies are needed to fully understand its safety compared to other pain treatments.23678
How is the drug methadone unique for post-surgery pain relief?
Methadone is unique for post-surgery pain relief because it has a long-lasting effect, reducing the need for additional pain medication. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain and also affects serotonin and noradrenaline, which can help manage pain more effectively than some other opioids.134910
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if oral methadone given before surgery works to minimize post-operative pain and opioid usage. The main questions it aims to answer are:Does oral methadone improve post-operative pain scores as compared to standard treatment? Does oral methadone lead to reduced use of post-operative and post-discharge opioid usage as compared to the current standard treatment?Researchers will compare oral methadone to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to assess the questions above.Participants will:Receive either oral methadone or a look-alike placebo before surgery Receive standard intraoperative and immediate post-operative pain control at the anesthesiologist's discretion Be asked about their pain levels in the recovery area Keep a diary of pain and opioid usage over the first 2 days after surgery
Research Team
Alexander Chen, M.D.
Principal Investigator
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals scheduled for knee surgery or hip arthroscopy. Participants must meet certain health requirements, which are not specified here. People who do not meet these health standards or have conditions that could interfere with the study's outcomes will be excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-operative
Participants complete a survey on pain scores and opioid usage; receive either oral methadone or placebo before surgery
Intraoperative
Participants receive standard intraoperative pain control; intervention group receives oral methadone
Post-operative
Participants are monitored in the PACU for pain scores and opioid usage; receive standard PACU medications
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for pain scores and opioid usage post-discharge; follow-up calls on post-operative day 1 and 2
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Methadone
- Placebo
Methadone is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada, Japan, Switzerland for the following indications:
- Pain management
- Opioid use disorder
- Pain management
- Opioid dependence
- Pain management
- Opioid use disorder
- Pain management
- Pain management
- Opioid dependence
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Lead Sponsor