Articles tagged with Analgesics
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that an app-based self-care program using acupressure reduced menstrual pain in young women by up to 58% after six months. The app, Luna, was used by participants who received either standard care or a self-acupressure intervention.
Most older adults (4/5) support allowing medical marijuana if recommended by a physician, while 2/3 advocate for more government-sponsored research on its health effects. The poll also reveals conflicting views on pain management, with prescription medications seen as more effective in controlling dosages.
Researchers discovered a parasite-derived protein, H-IPSE, with potent therapeutic effects on chemotherapy-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in mice. The study found that H-IPSE alters host cell transcription, suggesting a novel approach to treating bladder pain and injury.
Researchers at Saint Louis University discovered a method to block chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain by supplementing a key signaling pathway. The study found that oxaliplatin, a widely used cancer drug, causes debilitating side effects due to increased adenosine kinase expression in astrocytes.
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland found that initiating opioid analgesics reduces the use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in persons with Alzheimer's disease. This decrease was observed without worsening behavioural and psychiatric symptoms.
A nationwide survey found that oral and maxillofacial surgeons prescribed more opioids after hydrocodone-containing products were rescheduled in 2014. The study also showed a significant reduction in phone calls requesting refill authorizations after switching to more potent pain medications.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that hunger suppresses chronic pain by targeting specific brain cells. The study discovered that activating a group of 300 neurons responsible for prioritizing hunger over pain significantly reduced inflammatory pain responses, while acute pain responses remained intact.
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) has recognized William Maixner for his outstanding contributions to chronic pain research, a field he considers a 'hidden epidemic'. He is being honored with the $5,000 award for his exceptional research in this area.
Researchers found that generic clopidogrel was as effective as Plavix in reducing mortality and hospitalization rates among heart attack and chest pain patients. The switch to a generic version resulted in significant cost savings for the Canadian health system.
Two studies found that acetaminophen use increases during cold/flu season, with a 24% increase in high-dose intake. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used analgesic in France, but its use can lead to liver harm if not taken correctly.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.