Delivering transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) to improve symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal: results from a prospective clinical trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As pharmacological treatments are the primary option for opioid use disorder, neuromodulation has recently demonstrated efficacy in managing opioid withdrawal syndrome (OWS). This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) for managing OWS.

Methods

This prospective inpatient trial included a 30-minute randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind period followed by a 5-day open-label period. Adults with physical dependence on opioids were randomized to receive active or sham tAN following abrupt opioid discontinuation. The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) was used to determine withdrawal level, and participants were required to have a baseline COWS score ≥ 13 before enrollment. The double-blind period of t

SUBMITTER: Tirado CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9385243 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature