Articles tagged with Analgesics
Acupuncture may be a safe alternative to drugs for chronic pain, with moderate benefit shown in a review of 20,827 patients. However, critics argue that the evidence is insufficient and that it can be linked to better quality of life compared to usual care. Doctors should consider a more flexible approach to guideline development.
Two studies showed that pre-operative counseling and non-opioid pain relievers can significantly reduce post-surgery opioid use, resulting in a two-thirds decrease in opioid consumption. Patients who used non-opioids experienced an equivalent pain experience with fewer adverse events compared to those using opioids.
A randomized clinical trial found that opioid medications did not improve pain-related function over 12 months compared to nonopioid medications. Nonopioid medications resulted in less intense pain and fewer medication-related symptoms.
A recent study found that a specific manipulation of dopamine receptors impairs chronic pain in male mice but has no effect on females. The researchers suggest that different types of cells drive the development of pain in males and females, leading to the potential for sex-specific pain relief medications.
Researchers developed a statistical model to predict hospitalized patients at risk of progressing to chronic opioid therapy. The model correctly identified high-risk patients in 79% of cases and was found to be highly associated with variables such as substance use disorder, benzodiazepine receipt, and surgical procedures during hospit...
Using multiple methods to manage pain during and after joint replacement surgery was associated with a decrease in opioid use, opioid prescriptions, and common complications. Multimodal therapy reduced opioid prescriptions by up to 18.5%, respiratory complications by 19% and gastrointestinal complications by 26%.
A study found that aspirin reduces mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes and heart failure, but increases the risk of nonfatal heart attacks and strokes. The research used data from over 12,000 patients and suggested that aspirin may be beneficial for those living longer due to their age.
A recent study found that thousands of children with oral pain in London are being taken to pharmacies and non-dental health services, resulting in unnecessary use of NHS resources. The study highlights the need for integrated systems and better referral processes to ensure children receive dental treatment as soon as possible.
Researchers at Indiana University discovered a compound that blocks neuropathic pain and decreases signs of opioid dependence when used with opioid-based pain medications. The study suggests the experimental drug could be used to prevent tolerance and treat opioid addiction.
Researchers at Australian National University have identified molecular similarities across six pharmaceutical drugs to reduce unwanted side effects. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, aims to inform future scientists on how to design more specific drugs with fewer side effects.
Researchers at UIC will study molecular neurobiology of chronic pain and develop new drug treatments for sickle cell disease patients experiencing chronic pain. The funding aims to understand the role of protein kinases in chronic pain and identify potential therapeutic targets.
A recent study has identified distinct cellular origins for different symptoms of neuropathic pain, paving the way for targeted treatments. The research found that cold allodynia is exclusively neuronal in nature, while tactile allodynia involves complex interactions between the immune system and nervous system.
Researchers found that gabapentin is being mixed with other substances to produce euphoria, and some users are turning to it after crackdowns made it difficult to obtain opioid prescriptions. The medication's low cost and increasing popularity have contributed to its misuse, highlighting the need for further study on its abuse potential.
An imaging study found altered signaling in the brain and spinal cord after short-term infusion of remifentanil, leading to increased sensitivity to heat pain stimuli. The results indicate that opioid application can alter pain processing in the central nervous system.
A newly identified protein, RGSz1, can be manipulated to make opioid painkillers effective at lower doses while reducing the risk of addiction. This discovery provides novel avenues for pharmacological interventions that can optimize the actions of opioid medications and lead to safer treatments.
A 28-year-old man experienced instant pain relief after undergoing a cold water swim following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The procedure was successful but postoperative pain persisted, until the cold water plunge provided lasting relief. Further investigation is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this natural intervention.
Research suggests that over-the-counter pain medication can impact individuals' sensitivity to painful experiences, ability to empathize with others, and processing of information. This could have implications for public health and policymakers should consider potential risks and benefits.
A new study found that medical marijuana dispensaries are associated with lower rates of opioid overdose deaths, but only in states with loosely regulated dispensary systems. The association declined sharply after 2010 as state laws became more tightly regulated and the opioid crisis shifted to heroin and fentanyl.
A new study reveals that fentanyl can increase pain sensitivity in animals by lowering their pain threshold. The researchers found that blocking calcium signaling inside sensory neurons prevents this effect, suggesting a possible mechanism for hyperalgesia.
Researchers have found that exposure to ibuprofen during the first three months of fetal development results in a dramatic loss of ovarian germ cells, leading to reduced fertility. Studies suggest that prolonged exposure to ibuprofen may lead to long-term effects on women's fertility.
Researchers found that 15% of adult ibuprofen users exceed the maximum recommended dose in a one-week period. Those who do tend to have medical factors such as chronic pain and poor physical state, attitudes conducive to ignoring label recommendations, and poor knowledge of those recommendations.
A study comparing hysteroscopic and laparoscopic sterilization methods found that hysteroscopic sterilization was associated with a higher risk of gynecological complications, but not with an increased risk of medical outcomes. The study followed 105,357 women in France for one to three years after sterilization.
A new patient education brochure has been shown to increase proper disposal rates of unused opioids among surgical patients, with adults receiving the brochure disposing of their medications at a rate of 22 percent compared to 11 percent among those who did not receive it.
The American health care system must address the stigma associated with opioid use disorder to effectively treat the nation's opioid epidemic. Opioid prevention and treatment efforts remain hindered by federal restrictions, addiction stigma, and chronic pain management limitations.
A recent study discovered a significant association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of language delay in girls. The research found that girls born to mothers who took more than six doses of acetaminophen were nearly six times more likely to experience language delays.
Researchers found that ibuprofen modified hormonal profiles through selective transcriptional repression of testicular endocrine cells, leading to a state of compensated hypogonadism. The study used testis explants and human steroidogenic cell lines to investigate the effects of ibuprofen on testicular health.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have created a new drug-like compound that activates only the kappa opioid receptor, a key step in developing better pain medications. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more effective opioids with reduced side effects.
A new UGR study found tramadol affects cycling performance and sustained attention, with divergent results between two experiments. The researchers agree that more research is needed to conclusively establish the substance's impact on sports and cognitive performance.
A UCL-led research team has identified a rare genetic mutation that causes one Italian family to be unusually insensitive to pain. The study, published in Brain, found that the mutation affects the ZFHX2 gene and regulates other genes connected to pain signalling.
A new study establishes expert consensus on managing concerning behaviors in patients taking opioids for chronic pain, including assessing risk and safety concerns, identifying pain symptoms, and providing patient education. The study also highlights the importance of referral to other pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that medications like opioids and antidepressants for chronic pain management increase the risk of obesity and poor sleep. The research found that these medications double the risk of obesity and are associated with poor sleep, highlighting the need to reduce their use.
Recent breakthroughs aim to help those struggling with opioid use disorders by providing interim treatments and safer prescription options. Interim therapies can get people medication sooner, reducing the risk of overdose and infection, while safer opioids may mitigate respiratory suppression and addiction.
A new guideline based on patient data and education has been shown to effectively reduce opioid prescribing in surgery patients by up to 66%, while maintaining similar levels of pain control. The study's findings have the potential to significantly impact the national opioid crisis, with estimates suggesting over 13,000 excess pills ha...
A study published in Addiction found that low- and high-volume prescribers both play a significant role in opioid prescriptions, challenging the focus on 'pill mill' doctors. The study also identified other high-risk patient groups, such as concomitant users and chronic high-dose users, who pose a greater public health threat.
A high prevalence of complications related to opioid use disorders has been seen in emergency radiology patients, with skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory issues, and back pain being common. Imaging results often provided critical information to aid management plans and reduce mortality rates.
A multi-disciplinary team of researchers is exploring natural compounds from marine organisms to develop non-opioid drugs for chronic pain management. The team aims to identify novel drugs with the beneficial effects of opioids but lack the adverse actions, such as addiction and respiratory depression.
A study found that denying patient requests for services, such as referrals and medication, is associated with lower patient satisfaction. The findings suggest that clinicians' decisions to deny these requests may penalize their patients and negatively impact their experiences.
Researchers found a link between negative emotions and higher opioid use in people with sickle cell disease, particularly with low pain levels. Negative thinking also played a role in short-acting opioid use, especially when pain was reported as high.
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology demonstrates pain relief in humans using a Trk inhibitor. The study involved 20 participants and compared the inhibitor with pregabalin, ibuprofen, and placebo.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown cellular communication method between neurons and immune cells in neuropathic pain. Blocking this method could prevent neuropathic pain without side effects.
A UCLA study found that people are being screened for cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure more frequently since the ACA implemented. However, a disparity was found in aspirin therapy, with men taking daily doses more often than women.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that intranasal ketamine had more minor side effects such as bad taste and dizziness compared to intranasal fentanyl in children with suspected extremity fractures. No significant differences were observed in efficacy or pain relief between the two drugs.
A pilot study of 15 individuals using oxycodone digital pills found that patients self-administered opioids for only a brief period and took a fraction of the prescribed dose. The technology may enable physicians to monitor adherence and identify escalating opioid use patterns, potentially reducing the risk of addiction.
A new study found that 1 in 20 children received codeine after tonsil and adenoid removal surgeries, despite the FDA warning on significant safety risks. The researchers recommend increasing efforts to eliminate inappropriate prescribing and encouraging non-opioid medications.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed new opioid pain relievers that are as potent as morphine but do not slow or stop breathing, reducing the risk of overdose. The compounds show a spectrum of bias between signaling pathways, providing an opportunity to expand the therapeutic window and administer drugs safely.
Researchers discuss conventional versus newly introduced treatment modalities for managing orthodontic pain, highlighting the importance of individualized assessment and case-by-case decision-making.
A new study reveals that codeine was still being prescribed to one in 20 children undergoing tonsil and adenoid surgery two years after the FDA issued a warning about its risks. The research suggests safer alternatives like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be effective for managing post-surgical pain.
Researchers separate pain relief and breathing effects in opioids, revealing a 'biased signaling' mechanism with a 'therapeutic window' of safer alternatives. This finding could lead to new opioid medications without the risk of respiratory failure.
Researchers are developing abuse-deterrent opioids with special coatings or infusions to make them harder to misuse, but at a higher cost. Novel painkillers and powerful opioid detectors are also being developed to help combat the crisis.
Recent revisions to major international guidelines for the management of low back pain recommend shifting from pain medicines to non-medicinal approaches such as yoga, mindfulness, and physiotherapy. GPs are now unlikely to prescribe pain medicines, encouraging a more holistic approach to treating LBP.
A Canadian-led study found that perioperative aspirin can prevent heart-related complications after major noncardiac surgery in patients with previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). For every 1,000 patients with PCI, giving them aspirin at the time of noncardiac surgery would prevent 59 heart attacks and cause eight major bl...
Research on opioid addiction has made significant progress in understanding its impact on brain development, fear, anxiety, and memory. Studies have found that opioids can influence these processes, potentially contributing to substance use disorders and dependence.
A study of middle-aged adults found that functional impairment was common among the cohort and often progressed to further physical decline or death over a 10-year follow-up. The findings challenge the notion that functional impairment is temporary in middle age and suggest a need for early intervention.
A study of 62 rhinoplasty patients found that they used an average of nine hydrocodone-acetaminophen tablets, with 46 patients using 15 or fewer tablets. The most common adverse effects were drowsiness, nausea, and constipation.
A randomized clinical trial found no important differences in pain reduction between ibuprofen-acetaminophen and opioid-acetaminophen combinations after 2 hours. The study suggests that ibuprofen-acetaminophen is a reasonable alternative to opioid management of acute extremity pain, but further research is warranted.
A preclinical study suggests a novel mechanism for treating pain without the addictive side effects of current opioid medications. The use of positive allosteric modulators enhances the effect of pain-relief chemicals naturally produced by the body, providing stronger and longer-lasting pain relief.
A randomized, double-blind study found that haloperidol reduces nausea and pain in patients with acute gastroparesis, suggesting it as a promising adjunctive therapy. The addition of haloperidol to conventional therapy is better than conventional therapy alone without side effects.
Researchers have successfully tested a new molecule capable of preventing peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapy in cancer patients. The molecule has shown positive results in reducing the appearance of disorders associated with nerve dysfunction.
A single-center study of 1,009 patients found that opioid-free general anesthesia significantly decreased postoperative nausea. The alternative pain management options used during surgery and after recovery showed high patient satisfaction rates.
The opioid epidemic has reached crisis proportions, with nearly 90 opioid overdose deaths per day in the US. Anesthesiologists and pain medicine physicians can take a leading role in identifying and solving the issues by using non-opioid drugs and emerging treatments.