Ketamine for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if ketamine works to reduce craving for opioids in adults entering methadone treatment for opioid use disorder. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does ketamine reduce craving for opioids in patients with opioid use disorder? * Does ketamine reduce symptoms of opioid withdrawal such as depression, pain, and poor sleep quality? * Do patients who take the low dose ketamine stay in methadone treatment longer, and/or have better treatment outcomes than those given the very low dose? Researchers will compare two low doses of ketamine to see if ketamine works to reduce craving for opioids in adults entering methadone treatment for opioid use disorder. Participants will: * Be given a low dose or a very low dose of ketamine 4 times over a period of 2 weeks * Visit the clinic weekly and monthly for checkups and tests for 90 days post-intake
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18 to 65 years old 2. Recent history (most recent 2 weeks prior to clinic intake) of routine use of illicit opioids, 5+ times/week 3. Fulfillment of DSM-5/ICD-10 criteria for moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder 4. Acceptance into methadone treatment for opioid use disorder within the past 21 days at the time of screening 5. Adherence to lifestyle requirements for participation Exclusion Criteria: 1. Routine use of prescribed medications for OUD (5+ days/week) for longer than the 14 days leading up to clinic intake 2. Pregnant and/or breastfeeding 3. \*\*Stage 2…
Interventions
- DrugTreatment with Ketamine
Participants will receive four doses of ketamine spaced 1-6 days apart of 0.75 mg/kg intramuscular ketamine (n=25) for two weeks (first ketamine session must occur no later than 28 days post-intake). Individuals will be monitored for two hours post-dose by a clinician.
- DrugTreatment with Very Low Dose Ketamine
Participants will receive four doses of very low dose ketamine (0.1mg.kg) (n=25) spaced 1-6 days apart for two weeks (first ketamine session must occur no later than 28 days post-intake). Individuals will be monitored for two hours post-dose by a clinician.
Location
- University of Maryland Addiction Programs and Affiliated ClinicsBaltimore, Maryland