Oxygen + Acetazolamide for Sleep Apnea

(SDB Trial)

This trial explores whether oxygen and a medication called acetazolamide can reduce breathing problems during sleep for individuals who regularly take opioids. It aims to determine if these treatments can enhance sleep quality and overall well-being. The trial tests two treatments: one involves breathing extra oxygen at night, and the other involves taking acetazolamide pills. Veterans currently using prescription opioids and experiencing sleep issues might be suitable candidates. As a Phase 1, Phase 2 trial, it focuses on understanding how the treatments work and measuring their effectiveness in an initial group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important research.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does exclude patients on tramadol and suboxone/buprenorphine. It seems you can continue other prescription opioids.

Research has shown that acetazolamide, a treatment under study for sleep apnea, is generally well-tolerated. A review of 26 studies found that acetazolamide reduced the severity of sleep apnea without causing serious side effects, suggesting it can be safe for managing the condition.

For hyperoxia treatment, studies have indicated that oxygen therapy can improve oxygen levels in people with sleep apnea. However, the overall safety results are limited and sometimes mixed. Discuss any concerns with a study doctor.

Researchers are excited about these treatments because they offer new ways to tackle sleep apnea. Unlike the standard of care, which often involves CPAP machines or oral appliances, acetazolamide works by affecting the body's response to carbon dioxide, potentially offering an alternative for those who struggle with current options. Meanwhile, the hyperoxia treatment aims to change how the body regulates breathing during sleep by increasing oxygen levels, which could help manage apnea episodes more effectively. These approaches are promising because they target the underlying physiological processes of sleep apnea, rather than just addressing its symptoms.

Research has shown that acetazolamide, which participants in this trial may receive, can help treat sleep apnea by stabilizing breathing during sleep. It improves blood oxygen levels and reduces the severity of sleep apnea episodes. Acetazolamide also controls breathing by reducing high loop gain, a condition where the breathing system is overly sensitive. Similarly, studies have found that oxygen therapy, another treatment option in this trial, decreases the number of sleep apnea events and improves blood oxygen levels. Both treatments could benefit people with sleep apnea, including those taking opioid medications.¹³⁶⁷⁸