Articles tagged with Analgesics
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found long-acting opioids significantly increase the risk of death from unintentional overdose and cardiorespiratory events. Alternative medications, such as anticonvulsants and low doses of cyclic antidepressants, may be safer options for managing moderate-to-severe chronic pain.
A new study reveals significant regional, demographic, and educational differences in how Americans share health information online. Young people discuss ADHD on drug review sites, while older users discuss physical disorders like diabetes and heart conditions.
A study found that long-acting opioids for chronic noncancer pain were associated with a 1.6 times greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to anticonvulsants or cyclic antidepressants. Cardiovascular deaths accounted for over half of the excess deaths.
A recent survey by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that more than half of patients prescribed opioids have leftover pills, with many saving them for future use. The study also revealed that nearly half of respondents received no information on safe storage and disposal of their medications.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that a pre-procedure medication regimen can significantly reduce hospital stays and readmission rates for liver cancer patients undergoing DEB TACE treatment. The study involved 113 procedures in 71 patients, with only 5% requiring hospital admission due to post-procedural syndrome.
A major international review of suicide prevention has confirmed that restricting access to lethal means and providing Gatekeeper Training can be effective. The study also highlights the importance of follow-up care for individuals who have attempted suicide.
Researchers have discovered two tarantula toxins that target a previously unknown pain pathway in sensory nerves, potentially leading to new drugs for treating chronic pain. The toxins also represent a broadly applicable tool for selectively manipulating sodium channels implicated in numerous neurological disorders.
In the first year of two Florida laws aimed at reducing opioid prescriptions, the state's top prescribers wrote significantly fewer pain medication prescriptions, with a 6.2% drop in volume and 5.1% decrease in patients. Despite this, most physicians did not change their prescribing patterns.
Scientists at Duke University have discovered a potential new class of small-molecule drugs that block two key pain targets, including TRPV4 and TRPA1. These compounds show promise in treating various types of pain, such as osteoarthritis, headaches, and abdominal pain.
A new CU-Boulder study found that morphine treatment can cause chronic pain by exacerbating the release of pain signals from specific immune cells in the spinal cord. This could have far-reaching implications for humans, as opioids are already linked to thousands of fatal overdoses annually.
A study by Dr. Sarah Saxena found that breast cancer patients need fewer painkillers after non-opiate anesthesia, which may reduce side effects like nausea and vomiting. Non-opiate anesthesia could also potentially lower cancer recurrence rates, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A University of the Pacific professor argues that pharmacists must be part of the solution to curb opioid abuse, citing a grim diagnosis of increased misuse and alarming numbers of overdose deaths. The expert advocates for independent education and broader pain management training for prescribers and patients.
A new meta-analysis shows that ketamine is half as likely to experience persistent post-surgical pain compared to placebo, offering a cheap and safe treatment option. This could lead to significant cost savings globally if widely adopted.
Researchers found that taking aspirin immediately after a minor 'warning' event significantly reduced the risk of major stroke over the next few days. The study showed that aspirin also reduced the severity of early strokes by about 70-80%.
A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin, commonly used to treat pain and anxiety, is associated with a higher risk of major birth defects. Women taking pregabalin during pregnancy were three times more likely to have a child born with a major defect compared to those who did not take the drug.
A Mayo Clinic study found that sending children home with catheters infusing a non-narcotic nerve-blocking drug reduces opioid painkiller use and shortens hospital stays. The procedure is effective in controlling pain after the Nuss procedure, which reshapes the chest wall to correct pectus excavatum.
A new measure called the nociception (pain) level index allows physicians to more accurately evaluate responses to painful stimulation in patients under general anesthesia. This improved monitoring can lead to better anesthesia management, less pain upon regaining consciousness, and enhanced postoperative outcomes.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ticagrelor, a commonly used antiplatelet medication, did not significantly reduce stroke risk in patients with transient ischemic attacks or minor strokes. The study suggests that combination therapies may be needed to better prevent strokes in this vulnerable pati...
Researchers found that participants who took acetaminophen rated others' pain as less severe and showed reduced empathy in various social scenarios. The study suggests that the popular painkiller may blunt not only physical but also emotional responses to others' misfortunes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that 87% of patients misusing drugs and alcohol suffer from chronic pain. Many use substances to alleviate physical pain, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment strategies.
Researchers at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation found that an enzyme thought to be beneficial can pose significant danger to developing embryos. They discovered excessive plasmin activity can lead to liver blood vessels becoming fragile and prone to bleeding.
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that nearly half of coronary artery bypass patients are not taking statins and aspirin together, increasing risk of vein graft occlusion. This suggests a lack of coordination between healthcare providers and patients in adhering to long-term prevention measures.
Regular aspirin use was linked to a significantly reduced risk of developing bile duct cancer, according to a recent study. The findings suggest that additional research on the potential of aspirin for preventing bile duct cancer is warranted.
A new study suggests that a single half-hour session with a trained therapist during an ER visit can motivate people to reduce their use of prescription opioid painkillers and lower their risk of overdose. The study found a significant reduction in risky behaviors among those who received the intervention, compared to those who did not.
A systematic review of scientific literature found that taking low-dose aspirin alongside cancer treatment can reduce mortality and cancer spread by up to 20%. Researchers from Cardiff University suggest this may be due to a mutation in PIK3CA, which appears to explain the reduction in colon cancer mortality.
A Mayo-led study found that aspirin use is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing bile duct cancer. The study showed that individuals who took aspirin had a more than two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half-fold lesser chance of developing the disease compared to those who did not take aspirin.
Researchers have identified a core component of a conotoxin from marine snail venom that retains its pain-relieving properties after simplification. This modified conotoxin successfully treated pain in a laboratory rat model similar to human irritable bowel syndrome.
The USPSTF recommends taking low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer in adults aged 50-69 years with increased risk. Aspirin use can outweigh harms for some patients, including those at high risk for CVD, improving life expectancy and quality of life.
A recent U of T study found that acetaminophen inhibits Error Related Negativity and Error Related Positivity in the brain, indicating impaired conscious awareness of errors. The research suggests potential implications for cognitive control in daily life.
Researchers found improved survival rates for acute liver failure patients, with overall survival increasing from 67% to 75%, and survival without a transplant rising from 45% to 56%. Transplant success also improved, with survival rates reaching 96%.
A new Penn study suggests that Yelp reviews can provide a more comprehensive understanding of hospital quality by covering topics not found in government surveys. The analysis of 17,000 Yelp reviews revealed 12 additional categories covered in the Yelp reviews that are not covered by the HCAHPS survey.
A University of Virginia study found that false beliefs about biological differences between black and white people contribute to undertreated pain among black patients. White medical students and residents who held these false beliefs showed lower pain ratings and less accurate treatment recommendations for black patients.
Researchers at UTA have discovered a new approach to alleviate chronic pain by stimulating the ventral tegmental area of the brain with wireless devices. This breakthrough reduces pain signals in the spinal cord and triggers the release of dopamine, which may help reduce emotional distress associated with long-term pain.
Researchers found no significant difference in pain control or bleeding risk between ibuprofen and other treatments. The study suggests that ibuprofen can provide safe and effective pain control for selected plastic surgery procedures without increasing bleeding risk.
A review of medical treatments for migraine during pregnancy and lactation has identified four treatment options that require caution, including magnesium, ondansetron, acetaminophen, and butalbital. Safe alternatives such as non-pharmacologic options like healthy lifestyle habits, relaxation training, and meditation are available
New research from Penn Medicine shows a concerning trend of increasing opioid prescribing after common surgeries, with most patients filling a prescription for an opioid pain medication within seven days. The study's findings highlight the need for better strategies to treat postoperative pain safely and effectively.
A new study reveals that older types of arthritis medicine, like Diclofenac, are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, similar to other NSAID types taken off the market. The study recommends reduced consumption and alternative treatments for patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.
A large-scale analysis of pain-relief medication for osteoarthritis found that paracetamol does not meet the minimum standard of clinical effectiveness in reducing pain or improving physical function. Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), was found to be more effective for short-term pain relief.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation does not employ the body's opioids to reduce pain, but instead uses a different pathway to provide significant pain relief. The researchers used a thermal probe to induce pain and observed a 24% reduction in pain ratings among meditation participants.
Regular low-dose aspirin use for at least six years was associated with a modestly reduced overall risk for cancer, primarily due to a lower risk for gastrointestinal tract cancer. The study found that regular aspirin use may complement CRC screening and have an absolute benefit regardless of endoscopy status.
The study found that regular aspirin use significantly reduces the overall risk of cancer, with a 19% lower risk of colorectal cancer. Aspirin may complement, but not replace, cancer screening methods like colonoscopy, and has potential benefits for individuals with risk factors.
Two studies found that steroid injections received in the months prior to total knee and hip replacement surgeries may increase the risk of infection. Injections containing corticosteroids suppress the immune system, making patients more susceptible to severe post-operative infections.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified two molecules, HMGB1 and MMP-9, involved in maintaining nerve pain after injury. Blocking these molecules alleviated pain in mice without negative effects on healing.
Kyoto University engineers have developed genetically modified E. coli that produce thebaine, a morphine precursor, 300 times more efficiently than yeast. This breakthrough could lead to the production of painkillers from microbes with low regulatory risk.
Researchers discovered that Rac1 activates a cascade of reactions in nerve cells associated with inflammatory pain. Inhibiting Rac1 using NSC23766 reduced pain hypersensitivity in rats injected with bee venom. These findings suggest potential for new drugs to treat chronic inflammatory pain.
A study by the University of Houston and UTMB found that urine drug screenings for chronic pain patients increase patient safety but raise the risk that patients won't return for future treatment. The screenings were associated with a higher no-show rate among patients, even those who tested negative.
A new literature review suggests that a team-based care approach, combining newer pain management strategies, is key to maximizing patient outcomes after total knee replacement (TKR) procedures. Multimodal protocols, including regional anesthesia and intra-operative pain injections, have been shown to lower patient pain severity rating...
Researchers used functional MRI to assess the effectiveness of new pain medications in patients with chronic pain. The study found that FMRI can provide objective evidence to prevent premature discarding of potentially beneficial therapies.
Researchers found that guideline-concordant care, including mental health services and substance abuse treatment, can significantly reduce the risk of death for patients on opioid painkillers. Patients who received these services were 50% less likely to die within six months.
Blocking receptors inside nerve cells may offer a more effective and safer pain relief option by reducing drug-induced side effects. The study found that targeting glutamate receptors in the nucleus of spinal nerve cells can effectively relieve neuropathic pain in rats, with no changes in pain sensitivity observed in normal rats.
The report reveals that high-income western countries and regions are driving the increase in opioid use, while poorer nations face significant barriers to access including affordability, lack of awareness, and onerous regulations
A recent survey found that almost 20% of respondents reported some form of non-prescription medicine misuse or abuse over their lifetime. The study also highlights the risk factors associated with such behavior, including younger age and long-standing illnesses.
A new study in veterans found that the threshold for safe prescribing may be lower than most people think, with overdose victims receiving higher doses on average. Lowering top prescription strengths below a 100 MEM threshold could benefit those at risk of an overdose while affecting few patients who aren't at risk.
A new study has developed a painkiller that targets the same opioid receptor as morphine but with fewer side effects. The peptide-based drug produced longer pain relief without respiratory depression and impaired motor coordination, unlike morphine.
A recent study suggests that using paracetamol during pregnancy may reduce female fertility in subsequent generations. Researchers tested the effects of paracetamol and another painkiller on rats and found that female offspring had fewer eggs, smaller ovaries, and reduced reproductive function compared to those not exposed to the drugs.
A recent study found that medical provider training, new clinic policies, and tapering opioid use can significantly reduce the level of opioid medication used by patients. However, women had less success with the tapering approach. The research also highlighted the need for close collaboration between doctors, pharmacists, and patients...
A University of Alberta study found that patients without opioid prescriptions experienced improved physical functioning and reduced disability compared to those who received opioid treatment for neuropathic pain. The research suggests a graded approach to physical activity may help improve function despite chronic pain.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued advice for prescribing antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections in adults. Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to antibiotic-resistant infections, posing a public health threat. Guidelines recommend symptomatic therapy fo...
Researchers review studies on PrEP and aspirin, finding similar low rates of serious side effects. PrEP works well to prevent HIV when taken daily, supporting efforts to make it available over-the-counter.
A study found that NSAIDs and opiates had no significant difference in pain scores, but NSAID use was associated with more rescue medication. Smaller chest tubes reduced pain, but efficacy has not been proven.