Articles tagged with Analgesics
Improved pain management can significantly reduce disability in older adults, associated with increased sleep difficulty and numerous problems. Strategies include physical activity, pain protocol interventions, and medication use to optimize patient well-being.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline on the most effective treatments for diabetic nerve pain. Pregabalin was found to be an effective treatment in improving quality of life, while several other treatments including gabapentin, valproate, antidepressants and opioids should also be considered.
A drastic shift in prescribing patterns has led to a fivefold increase in opioid addiction admissions, with prescriptions for hydrocodone and oxycodone accounting for 84.9% of opioid scripts. Experts recommend comprehensive training and public education to protect vulnerable populations.
A recent NIH analysis found that over half of patients receiving opioid prescriptions in 2009 had filled another opioid prescription within the previous 30 days. The study also identified potential opportunities for intervention to reduce prescription opioid abuse, particularly among younger patients.
A brain imaging study found that meditation significantly reduced pain ratings and activity in the primary somatosensory cortex, an area crucial for creating the feeling of pain. Meditation also increased activity in areas including the anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula, and orbito-frontal cortex.
A large case-control study found that taking aspirin at least once a month can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 26% compared to non-users. The effect was also seen in those taking low-dose aspirin for heart disease prevention, with a 35% lower risk.
A new scientific review of natural aphrodisiacs found that panax ginseng, saffron, and yohimbine improved human sexual function. The study also found that muira puama, maca root, and chocolate report increased sexual desire in people. However, their effects on sexual arousal and satisfaction are not supported.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered an orphan drug that short-circuits the process resulting in increased sensitivity and pain from opioid use. This finding may make morphine a safer and more effective drug for chronic pain control.
Ivory wave has emerged as a new legal high, replacing banned substance mephedrone, with reports of hospital admissions and deaths in various parts of England. The drug's effects include euphoria, paranoia, and cardiovascular problems, leading to violent behavior and organ damage.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a link between two major biological pathways involved in pain, which may pave the way for new treatments. The study found that inhibitors of the enzyme sEH can alleviate debilitating pain by targeting the messenger cAMP.
Research suggests ibuprofen may protect against Parkinson's disease by targeting a specific receptor in the brain. Taking ibuprofen regularly reduced the risk of developing the disease by 38%, according to the study published in Neurology.
A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that adults who regularly take ibuprofen have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 99,000 women and 37,000 men, finding that ibuprofen use was associated with a 38% reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.
A new long-acting local anesthetic, neosaxitoxin, has been shown to significantly reduce postoperative pain and speed up recovery in surgical patients. The compound, derived from algae, provides local anesthesia for more than 24 hours, potentially eliminating the need for opioid analgesics.
A new balloon kyphoplasty procedure provides rapid pain relief, increased mobility, and reduced need for painkillers compared to standard non-surgical care. Cancer patients with spinal fractures experience improved spinal function, quality of life, and pain during the study period.
A study compared balanced propofol sedation with conventional sedation for therapeutic GI endoscopic procedures, finding higher health care provider satisfaction and better patient cooperation in the BPS group. The results show that BPS provided similar adverse event profiles to conventional sedation.
The AVERROES trial found apixaban to be superior to aspirin in reducing stroke risk by 61.4% in patients with atrial fibrillation and high stroke risk. Apixaban was also shown to be safe with a lower rate of major bleeding incidents compared to aspirin.
Researchers found that women administering their own patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) used 30% less analgesia than those with continuous epidural infusion (CEI), while reporting similar levels of satisfaction. The study also showed a trend toward reduction in instrumented vaginal deliveries.
A recent McMaster University-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that apixaban significantly reduces stroke or embolism risk in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, preventing one stroke for every 20 patients treated. The drug also reduces major bleeding risk compared to aspirin.
Research found that folic acid lowers homocysteine in the blood, which should reduce heart attack risk. However, clinical trials showed no extra benefit due to high aspirin use by participants. The study suggests folic acid may still be beneficial for those not taking aspirin.
A new study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that retired NFL players misuse painkillers at a higher rate than the general population, with 7% currently using opioid drugs. The study also found that players who experienced undiagnosed concussions were more likely to misused opioids.
Researchers identify TRPA1 receptor as the culprit behind olive oil's unique sensory irritation and cough sensation. The receptor is also activated by ibuprofen, an over-the-counter NSAID, revealing a potential mechanism for the anti-inflammatory compound's action.
A team of K-State researchers is working to reduce the percentage of cattle affected by bovine lameness, a common health issue in US feedlot and stocker calves. They are developing models to assess lameness and identify risk factors for prevention, as well as analyzing indicators of pain to determine effective treatment options.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified a new aspirin-derived molecule that reduces levels of pro-inflammatory molecules and cells in mice. This finding suggests that the molecule could contribute to the beneficial effects of aspirin.
A new experimental drug, morphine-6-0-sulfate, has been found to be more potent and longer-lasting than standard morphine, with less likelihood of causing constipation. The study, led by Dr. Joseph Holtman Jr., tested the drug on rats and demonstrated its potential clinical advantages compared to morphine.
University at Buffalo researchers discover that removing a class of potassium channels from nociceptors during inflammation reduces hyperalgesia, providing a potential therapeutic target for pain relief. This breakthrough could lead to the development of non-addictive, less-toxic painkillers.
Primary care providers experience stress and guilt when managing chronic pain, often feeling ineffective and frustrated. Strategies to ease these frustrations are crucial for improving pain management from both patient and provider perspectives.
Researchers found that opioid users experienced higher rates of serious adverse events, such as fractures and cardiac risks, compared to those taking coxibs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The study suggests that opioids may be associated with greater cardiovascular risk than other analgesics.
Researchers found that a depression drug, duloxetine, reduced joint and muscle pain in women taking aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment by at least 30%. The study suggests that duloxetine may be an effective treatment option for this type of pain, with only mild additional side effects.
A study found that low-dose aspirin use is associated with improved sensitivity and specificity of fecal occult blood tests in detecting advanced colorectal tumors. The findings suggest that temporary use of low-dose aspirin may enhance test performance, but further research is needed to confirm the results.
A study published in The Lancet found that daily low-dose aspirin reduced death rates from a range of common cancers by 21% during trials. Long-term follow-up showed that the risk of cancer death remained 20-60% lower in groups who had previously been allocated aspirin.
A study published in The Lancet found that low-dose aspirin reduces mortality from various cancers, including oesophagus, lung, stomach, pancreas, and possibly brain cancer, by 20-30% regardless of dose or smoking status. Benefit is seen with increasing age and may require at least five years of use for significant impact.
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that emergency department doctors are less likely to prescribe pain medication to patients with a history of crime, drug abuse, or poor health status. The researchers surveyed 398 physicians and analyzed the data to identify social biases in prescription practices.
A study of 200 top-selling children's liquid medications found high variability in labeling and measuring devices, with nearly all products containing at least one inconsistency. The researchers highlight three critical areas for improvement: standardized measuring devices, consistent dosing directions, and standardized measurement units.
Researchers found that 25% of top-selling pediatric oral liquid medications lack dosing devices, while 99% have directions on labels and device markings that don't match. The study recommends standardizing abbreviations and ensuring matching instructions and devices to reduce parent confusion and ensure safe medication use.
Research suggests that ziconotide may worsen mental health conditions, particularly in vulnerable patients. Two new cases highlight the need for careful analysis of psychic disorders before treatment and close monitoring of patients treated with ziconotide.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that dual antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of bleeding, particularly nosebleeds or minor hemorrhages. The study compared emergency department visits for hemorrhage-related adverse events among patients taking dual antiplatelet therapy versus those taking warfarin.
Researchers found that injecting a platelet inhibitor directly into the heart through a coronary artery may restore blood flow more effectively than conventional administration after a severe heart attack. In contrast, erythropoietin did not reduce heart damage but may increase it in patients over 70 years old. Additionally, measuring ...
Studies show that prenatal drug exposure, maternal smoking, and early-life infections can alter brain development, increasing the risk of learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and mental disorders. The research highlights the importance of educating mothers on avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy.
Researchers identified a common pain gene across species, including humans, which is linked to synesthesia and acts primarily in the brain, not peripheral nerves. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding pain and developing more effective treatments.
Research found a seven-fold increased risk of undescended testicles in sons born to women taking multiple painkillers during pregnancy. The study suggests that exposure to certain chemicals, including mild analgesics, can disrupt testosterone production and lead to poor semen quality and testicular cancer.
The University of Rochester Medical Center has been awarded a $1 million contract to launch an initiative that aims to accelerate the identification of improved pain treatments. The partnership, known as Analgesic Clinical Trial Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks (ACTION), will analyze clinical trials to identify problems in tria...
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study reveals that intense, passionate feelings of love can significantly alter mood and impact pain perception. The research found that love-induced analgesia involves primitive aspects of the brain, activating deep structures to block pain at a spinal level.
A nationwide clinical trial is underway to test the effectiveness of ranolazine in treating ventricular arrhythmias. The study aims to determine if ranolazine decreases death and cardiac arrhythmias, as well as hospitalizations from cardiac causes.
Experts advocate for phasing out codeine due to its significant risks and unpredictable pharmacokinetics. Morphine, its active metabolite, is proposed as an alternative, offering more predictable metabolism and cost savings.
A phase II clinical trial found tanezumab to be effective in reducing osteoarthritis knee pain, with a 62% reduction in walking knee pain compared to placebo. The drug also showed promise in improving physical function and relieving stiffness.
A new drug, tanezumab, significantly reduces knee pain in osteoarthritis, but a small number of participants developed worsening arthritis and bone changes requiring joint replacements. The FDA is examining data to decide on the drug's future use.
Researchers found that high-dose intravenous aspirin significantly reduced pain in patients with severe withdrawal headaches caused by medication overuse. The study showed that 25% of participants experienced a significant reduction in pain, while 40% reported a modest pain reduction.
A new trial aims to determine if taking daily doses of a fish oil extract and aspirin can shrink existing polyps and prevent new ones from forming in the bowel. If successful, this treatment could reduce the need for frequent colonoscopies in patients at risk of developing bowel cancer.
Researchers have discovered a novel compound that amplifies the effects of anandamide, a natural chemical in the body similar to THC found in marijuana. The synthetic drug URB937 inhibits FAAH enzyme, enhancing anandamide levels and producing analgesic effects without sedation or addiction.
A new study found that intravenous aspirin was associated with a 25% reduction in pain scores and moderate effectiveness in treating severe headaches. The treatment had six percent side effects, mostly nausea and vomiting.
The study aims to find a difference in how a susceptible person responds to hydrocodone compared to a nonsusceptible one. The researchers hope to discover an indicator of susceptibility to dependence on painkillers like hydrocodone.
Research published online in journal Gut found that taking even a very low dose of regular aspirin (75 mg) can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. After one year, daily low-dose aspirin was associated with a 22% reduced risk of developing bowel cancer, which increased to 30% after five years.
A team of UC Davis scientists discovered a novel mechanism behind Vioxx's link to heart attacks and strokes, finding that the drug increases a regulatory lipid that contributes to cardiovascular events. The research may pave the way for safer coxibs for millions of arthritis patients.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology suggests that cilostazol is at least as effective as aspirin in preventing secondary strokes, but with significantly less major bleeding. The trial involved 2757 patients and found a 26% reduced risk of stroke compared to aspirin.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of pump for drug-delivery patches that uses arrays of microneedles to deliver a wider range of medications. The pump is activated by touch and can exert pressure to force drugs through the needles, with prototypes exerting pressures of up to 4.87 psi.
A double-dose regimen of clopidogrel was found to be more effective than the standard dose in reducing ischemic events and stent thrombosis in patients undergoing PCI for acute coronary syndromes. However, major bleeding increased by 41% with double-dosing.
Researchers have found that boosting brain levels of 2-AG, a natural painkiller, soon leads to loss of its therapeutic effect due to receptor downregulation. This discovery has implications for drug development and basic science, suggesting that more modest elevations in 2-AG may produce sustained pain relief.
A study of opioid detoxification patients found that 31 out of 75 patients first got hooked on prescribed painkillers. The majority continued using street drugs due to lower costs and greater effectiveness, with comments revealing the role of 'pill parties' in their initial use.
Researchers discover small RNAs regulate genes involved in chronic pain, offering a new avenue for developing drugs to treat debilitating conditions like arthritis and back pain. Small RNAs may serve as possible drug targets to restore normal pain thresholds.
A recent study by the University of Michigan Health System found that black patients are prescribed fewer pain medications than whites, while women receive weaker doses. The research highlights racial and gender gaps in pain care and suggests changes are needed to address these disparities starting in primary care.