Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
A case report describes a patient who developed cardiac events after consuming potent marijuana edibles, emphasizing the importance of understanding THC's effects on the cardiovascular system. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to educate patients with cardiovascular disease about cannabis use and its complications.
A new study found that combining cilostazol with aspirin or clopidogrel reduced the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence in high-risk patients. The dual antiplatelet therapy approach showed similar major bleeding risks compared to monotherapy.
A Stanford University School of Medicine investigation discovered that common opioids are less effective for patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression. This interaction may lead to reduced pain relief and increased risk of opioid abuse.
A federally funded study of nearly 400 patients found that compounded topical pain creams and gels offer no statistically significant difference in pain relief compared to placebos. The researchers concluded that people using these creams are being taken advantage of, as the scientific evidence supporting their benefits is lacking.
Researchers found compounded pain creams ineffective in relieving localized pain, with small benefits attributed to peripheral nervous system drugs. The treatment's lack of efficacy and high cost make it less suitable than FDA-approved compounds.
Molecular vibrations in aspirin cause electron motions visible in real time for the first time through x-ray experiments. Electron distributions shift by 10,000 times larger than atomic displacements, demonstrating hybrid modes in crystal structures.
Patients on SSRIs are 40% more likely to develop severe GI bleeding when taking NSAIDs, according to a review in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. Physicians should educate patients on recognizing symptoms and monitor for bleeding risks during SSRI therapy.
Regular use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, significantly improves overall five-year survival rate from 25% to 78% for patients with head and neck cancer containing the mutated PIK3CA gene. This is the first study to show a strong clinical advantage of regular NSAID use in this specific case.
The study found that benzodiazepine prescriptions for anxiety increased from 3.8% to 7.4% over the 12-year period, with primary care physicians accounting for half of all visits. The growing use of benzodiazepines has led to an increase in overdose deaths, prompting a need for addressing prescribing patterns.
A study suggests that regular use of aspirin or other NSAIDs can improve the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who have mutations in the PIK3CA gene. This is due to the reduction of prostaglandin E2, an inflammatory molecule that promotes tumor growth.
A meta-analysis of 13 clinical trials involving over 164,000 participants found that aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, including death, heart attack, and stroke. However, it also increased the risk of major bleeding in people without pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
A new study published in JAMA found that frequent aspirin use can lead to a 50% increase in major bleeding episodes. While aspirin reduces cardiovascular event risks, it increases the risk of major bleeding, making its use for initial prevention uncertain.
A new study found that regular aspirin use after delivery erases the increased risk of stroke associated with a history of preeclampsia in women under 60. Women in this age group who took aspirin had the same stroke risk as those without a history of preeclampsia, whereas those who did not take aspirin had a 50% greater risk.
A new study published in Sleep found a 250% increase in Americans taking opioids with benzodiazepines or Z-drugs between 1999 and 2014. This alarming trend is associated with increased risks of serious adverse outcomes, including breathing problems and death.
CHOP surgeons found that opioids were often overprescribed for children's elbow fractures, with patients using less than 25% of the prescribed amount. Most patients stopped taking opioid medication after a short period, with some opting for over-the-counter pain relievers instead.
A Canadian population study tracked back pain patterns over 16 years, identifying four trajectories: persistent, developing, recovery, and occasional. The persistent and developing groups had more pain and disability, while the recovery group increased opioid use.
A study reveals GPs in poorer areas prescribe more opioids for pain, with smoking, obesity, and depression linked to increased prescribing. Chronic pain management is a challenge, with limited capacity for counseling and potential risks outweighing benefits.
Pharmacogenetic testing, which maps a person's genetic makeup, can ensure patients receive effective and safe medications. This technology has the potential to deliver an economic benefit of $12 billion over five years to the national health system in Australia.
New research suggests that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain can increase the risk of severe Clostridium difficile infections. The study found that brief exposure to an NSAID prior to infection worsened infection severity and shortened survival in mice.
A Rutgers study found that Gabapentin reduces pain and improves sexual desire and satisfaction in women with vulvodynia, a condition characterized by stinging, burning, or itching at the vaginal entry point.
A new study analyzed combined results of 47 randomized clinical trials, lasting at least 12 months, involving 22,000 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The research found uncertainty around long-term effectiveness of medications in controlling pain, highlighting the need for large randomized clinical trials.
A study combining 96 randomized clinical trials found that opioids had small improvements in pain and physical functioning compared to placebo, but also an increased risk of vomiting. Nonopioid alternative pain medications showed similar benefits with lower risks.
A new study by Stanford Medicine and Duke University finds that early physical therapy can reduce the risk of long-term opioid use by 7-16% for patients with musculoskeletal pain. Physical therapy is also associated with a 5-10% reduction in opioid dosage for those who do use them.
Researchers are developing a nonopioid drug, ML351, to treat certain types of chronic pain. The drug targets a novel signaling pathway responsible for chronic pain development and has shown promise in preclinical studies.
A recent study found that opioids like methadone and buprenorphine can impair cognitive tasks and increase sleepiness, with four participants stopping their tests due to drowsiness. The study's results indicate that patients should be informed about the potential driving impairment caused by these medications.
Medication administration errors are a significant concern, with omissions being the most common cause, particularly among elderly patients. The study highlights the need for vigilant attention to safe dosing practices, especially in older adults.
Researchers found that a fractional dose of the 17D yellow fever virus vaccine provided protective levels of antibodies for over 10 years after vaccination. This finding supports the use of fractional doses in mass vaccination campaigns before outbreaks and eliminates the need for booster shots.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that strong opioids increase the risk of hip fractures in people with Alzheimer's disease. The risk was highest in the first two months of opioid use, and was significantly higher for moderate to strong opioids.
A clinical trial found that aspirin reduced the number of polyps overall, including on the right side, while EPA reduced polyps on the left side. Both compounds had preventative effects by reducing specific types of polyps.
Researchers discovered that BH4 regulates T cell activity, suppressing inflammation in autoimmune conditions and enhancing responses in cancer. A new therapeutic approach targets the same pathway to treat a range of diseases.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women fed soy-based formula milk as babies are 40% more likely to have used hormonal contraception for menstrual pain relief. The research also showed a 50% increased risk of moderate or severe menstrual discomfort between ages 18-22.
A recent study found that statin-induced musculoskeletal adverse events (MAEs) have distinct onset timings for different statins, with high-intensity statins triggering symptoms faster. The study also revealed that concomitant drug use does not alter the timing of MAEs associated with statins.
A new study found that surgery patients often take less than half of the prescribed opioid pain medications, with prescription size being the most important factor. The study suggests that surgeons can reduce opioid prescriptions and improve patient safety by considering individual factors such as pain scores and operation intensity.
Researchers at Brown University have developed an electroencephalography-based test to measure pain levels, providing a more objective approach than the traditional visual analogue scale. The test uses brain activity oscillations to determine pain levels and has shown promise in evaluating medication efficacy in animal models.
UA pharmacologists aim to prevent opioid tolerance by targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate, a lipid that may induce opioid sensitivity. Fingolimod, an existing medication for multiple sclerosis, shows promise as a potential solution.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that complementary practices like meditation and mindful breathing helped patients manage chronic pain and reduced the need for medication. Participants reported improved daily function, calmness, and a better state of mind after using these techniques.
A new study proposes a human-specific understanding of disease mechanisms and novel microphysiological tools to create more predictive laboratory models. This approach holds promise for improving translation in drug discovery and reducing the use of experimental animals.
A team of scientists at McGill University Health Centre has identified the effective dose of cannabidiol (CBD) for safe pain relief without the risk of addiction or euphoria. The study found that low doses of CBD alleviate both pain and anxiety in animal models of chronic pain, offering a potential alternative to THC and opioids.
SIRVA is an uncommon phenomenon where vaccines are administered too high in the arm, causing pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter medications. Proper vaccination landmarking techniques can help avoid SIRVA by targeting the deltoid muscle instead of the shoulder capsule.
Girls taking painkillers like paracetamol during pregnancy enter puberty on average one-and-a-half to three months earlier than expected. A large Danish cohort study suggests a 'dose-response' correlation between prolonged paracetamol use and early puberty in girls.
SLU scientist Daniela Salvemini is studying chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment and opioid addiction to develop new treatments. Her research aims to identify novel therapeutic approaches to mitigate chemo-brain and improve quality of life for cancer patients.
A new protocol developed by Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital reduces opioid use after colorectal surgery, resulting in shorter hospital stays. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol includes pre-emptive pain management, non-opioid general anesthesia, and postoperative programmed non-narcotic analgesics.
Median nerve stimulation triggers release of neuropeptide orexin from hypothalamus, leading to reduced inhibitory control in midbrain's pain-control region. This analgesic effect depends on endocannabinoid receptors, not opioid receptors.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients taking aspirin alone had similar protection against blood clots as those on anticoagulant treatments. Aspirin use has become increasingly popular among Michigan surgeons, with 70% of surgeons prescribing it to patients after knee replacement surgery.
A new study reveals wide variation in benzodiazepine prescribing among primary care doctors, with some counties having three times the level of sedative prescribing as others. High-intensity prescribers tend to be high-intensity users of opioid painkillers and other high-risk medications.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are testing green light therapy for controlling HIV-related neuropathic pain, showing a 60% reduction in patient pain. The therapy may also have potential benefits for other types of pain and provide a safer alternative to opioids.
A new study suggests that postpartum depression is significantly associated with higher postpartum pain scores, and women in the postpartum depression group were more likely to have delivered by C-section. The researchers found that adequate postpartum care is needed for women at risk of postpartum pain.
A study found that patients perceive opioids as superior for post-surgical pain relief, despite concerns about addiction and side effects. However, another study showed that opioids are tied to complications after back procedures, including increased pain and poorer quality of life.
Acetaminophen's breakdown product activates glutathionylation, affecting mitochondrial energy production and leading to metabolic dysfunction. This discovery explains the drug's toxicity at high doses and may apply to other drugs with similar structures.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has found that antiepileptic drugs are linked to a higher risk of stroke among persons with Alzheimer's disease. The study also revealed that this increased risk persisted even after accounting for other chronic conditions and socioeconomic factors.
Experts advise against giving decongestants to children under 6 due to lack of evidence on their effectiveness. Instead, doctors should reassure patients that symptoms are self-limiting and will pass in a few days.
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that low-dose aspirin (100mg or less) reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by 23% compared to non-users. Long-term heavy use of non-aspirin NSAIDs may increase this risk.
A Massachusetts General Hospital-led study found that regular aspirin use can significantly reduce the risk of developing primary liver cancer. The study analyzed data from over 133,000 participants and found a 49% reduction in relative risk for those taking two or more standard-dose tablets a week.
A new study found that daily low-dose aspirin use reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by 23 percent. In contrast, heavy use of non-aspirin NSAIDs increases the risk. The research analyzed data from over 200,000 women and confirms earlier findings about aspirin's role in reducing certain types of cancers.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute argue that targeting nociception can lead to improved anesthesia outcomes, including reduced medication use and faster patient recovery. By combining drugs to affect nociception, anesthesiologists can achieve a more desirable anesthetic state with better pain control.
A new study found that pregabalin, a common painkiller, is not effective in controlling chronic pain after traumatic nerve injury. However, it did show promise in relieving post-surgical pain for patients who underwent certain procedures.
A Syracuse University study found that cannabinoid drugs make pain feel less unpleasant and more tolerable, without reducing its intensity. The review of over 1,800 experimental studies suggests an affective component to their analgesic properties.
A large international study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that daily low-dose aspirin has no effect on healthy independent living in older adults. The study enrolled over 19,000 participants and followed them for an average of 4.7 years.
A large clinical trial found that daily low-dose aspirin did not prolong healthy, independent living in older adults without previous cardiovascular events. Aspirin was associated with a significantly increased risk of bleeding and an increase in cancer deaths, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and brain.
A landmark study of over 19,000 participants aged 70+ found that taking low-dose aspirin daily does not prolong life free of disability or significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study also showed an increased risk of serious bleeding among aspirin-takers.