Articles tagged with Analgesics
Adults who have used psilocybin are 30% less likely to develop opioid use disorder, according to a nationally representative survey. Psilocybin use is also associated with reduced symptoms of opioid dependence and abuse.
Researchers at University of Oxford and Leeds found liposomal bupivacaine no more effective than current treatments for post-operative knee pain. The SPAARK Trial showed that the drug did not improve recovery or pain relief compared to bupivacaine hydrochloride alone.
A new technique developed at the University of Birmingham uses electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity in patients before surgery, predicting their likelihood of severe pain after recovery. This allows clinicians to plan additional preventative pain medication and potentially reduce chronic symptoms.
A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Review found that binaural beats are being used as digital drugs by over 30,000 people worldwide, with users primarily seeking relaxation and mood change. The survey also revealed that binaural beat listeners are more likely to be younger and report recent use of prohibited drugs.
A study led by UCL researchers found significant disparities in opioid painkiller access between countries, with some regions reporting rates as low as 0.01 MME per 1,000/day, while others have surpassed the US in opioid sales. The findings highlight the need for global policies to improve palliative care and pain relief provision.
A new study found that an orally absorbed tablet containing cannabidiol (CBD) effectively reduced post-operative pain after shoulder surgery without side effects. The study showed significant pain relief and higher patient satisfaction compared to placebo, highlighting the potential of CBD as a safe and effective pain management tool.
A recent survey found that nearly 27% of horse owners in the US purchase painkillers from non-compliant sources, missing crucial veterinary care. This raises concerns over the safe administration of these drugs, which can have toxic effects on horses and other animals.
Researchers discovered a new venom compound in deep-water cone snails, similar to the hormone somatostatin, with possible pharmaceutical applications for treating chronic pain and other human maladies. The study highlights the rich biochemical diversity of animal venoms and the need to explore new compounds.
A new study published in BRAIN shows that a neuronal growth factor called BDNF plays a major role in amplifying spinal cord pain signalling in male humans and male rats, but not in female humans or female rats. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new treatments for chronic pain.
A study of insurance claims data found that state laws governing opioid prescribing had a negligible effect on opioid prescribing trends. The authors suggest that shifting clinical guidelines, professional norms, or other factors may be driving the decline in opioid prescribing. In contrast, a post-hoc analysis of an ASPREE trial found...
Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered a venom molecule in bull ants that targets the echidna's pain pathway, potentially leading to new treatments for long-term pain. The molecule exploits an EGF signalling pathway, similar to those used in anti-cancer therapy.
A large study found a significant link between salt-containing paracetamol and an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death. Patients with high blood pressure who took sodium-containing paracetamol had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those taking non-sodium-containing paracetamol.
A new synthetic substance, PECS-101, has been shown to prevent neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy while improving cancer treatment outcomes. The study, conducted in mice, found that PECS-101 had no adverse effects and did not cause dependence.
A study of vaginal births in New York State hospitals found that labor neuraxial analgesia – having an epidural or combined spinal and epidural – was associated with a decreased risk of severe maternal morbidity. The use of epidural anesthesia was linked to a 14% reduction in the risk of severe maternal morbidity, with racial and ethni...
A new longitudinal study found that frequent use of NSAIDs or acetaminophen, as well as regular use of COX-2 inhibitors, is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic persistent tinnitus. Low-dose aspirin use did not elevate risk, but moderate-dose aspirin use was linked to higher risk among women under 60.
Long-term paracetamol use increases the risk of heart disease and strokes in people with high blood pressure. Researchers recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time and monitoring blood pressure closely.
A large study analyzed administrative health data from Ontario and found a low risk of major anomalies with tramadol and morphine, minor anomalies with codeine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone exposure. The study highlights the need to consider both the benefits and harms of opioid treatment during pregnancy.
The UArizona Health Sciences Center is developing a Center of Excellence for Addiction Studies to advance addiction research and develop therapies for the opioid epidemic. The center will facilitate national collaborations, employ cutting-edge genetic techniques, and provide advanced methods for measuring neurotransmitters.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system generate pain signals during migraines. Blocking these signaling pathways using nanoparticles offers promise for novel migraine treatments.
The opioid crisis in the US has reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths reported for the first time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the rise to abuse of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The opioid crisis is predicted to grow exponentially in North America, adding 1.2 million more overdose deaths by 2029. The epidemic began in the 1990s and has worsened over the past decade due to the availability of illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.
Researchers will use transcriptomics and chemogenetics to identify molecular targets for pain management. The project aims to advance knowledge on pain mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Aspirin use in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease should be individualized based on benefit-to-risk assessment, not age. The authors' updated meta-analysis shows a 13% reduction in cardiovascular disease with similar benefits at older ages.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that a deadly anthrax toxin can block multiple types of pain in mice by altering signaling in pain-sensing neurons. This approach offers a novel precision-targeted pain treatment strategy without the widespread systemic effects of current pain-relief drugs.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that aspirin use is associated with a 26% raised risk of heart failure in individuals with at least one predisposing factor for the condition. This includes factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists at Scripps Research have created new compounds that activate opioid receptors without inducing tolerance, allowing for sustained pain relief. These 'biased agonists' also avoid respiratory suppression and constipation, making them a promising alternative to traditional opioids.
A Henry Ford Health System study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that a novel opioid-free pain management protocol provided the same pain relief for patients as common types of prescription opioids. This approach aims to reduce opioid misuse and promote more effective pain management after ACL knee reconstruc...
Researchers found a specific plant extract activates a potassium channel that soothes pain, while having the opposite effect on another related channel, which can prevent diarrhea. The discovery could lead to new medicines for pain and gastrointestinal issues.
Researchers developed a compound that regulates a biological channel linked to pain, reducing the sensation of pain in rodents. The compound, dubbed 194, successfully targets sodium ion channels and promotes pain relief by activating the body's endogenous opioid system.
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health uses machine learning to predict successful opioid dispensing models in U.S. counties. The analysis reveals that prescription drug monitoring program access provisions are the most consistent predictors of high-dispensing and high-dose dispensing counties.
Researchers at Duke University and UC Irvine identify Kenpaullone, a cancer drug, as an effective analgesic for chronic and challenging-to-treat pain. The compound enhances Kcc2 gene expression, which resets maladaptive genetic switches in neurons, leading to pain signal silencing.
A new study found that the brainstem plays a key role in modulating pain signals in the spinal cord based on expectations, with increased activity linked to the placebo effect and decreased activity to the nocebo effect.
Researchers have identified a new pathway for opioid-induced reward in the brain, paving the way for creating safer opioids. By altering the opioid peptide receptor MOPR, pharmaceutical companies can potentially create drugs that bypass the brain's reward system.
A 'think-twice' campaign for GPs has been found effective in reducing opioid prescribing in primary care, resulting in a net saving to the NHS of £700,000. The campaign led to a reduction of 15,000 fewer patients being given opioids over a year-long trial.
Scientists at Temple University will explore the therapeutic potential of KLS-13019, a CBD analog that shows promise as an opioid alternative. The Phase 2 SBIR grant aims to test the compound's effects on rat models of neuropathic pain, shedding light on its safety and efficacy.
The USPSTF updates its recommendation to include low-dose aspirin use, which demonstrates reduced risks of perinatal death, and is consistent with its previous 2014 recommendation. Preeclampsia affects approximately 4% of pregnancies in the US and is a serious health complication.
Physicians prescribed opioids more frequently to their white patients with new-onset low back pain, while prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to patients of color. The study's findings suggest racial bias in pain treatment, with white patients being more likely to develop long-term opioid reliance.
A new biomimetic system mimics the body's own receptors for anesthetics, providing prolonged nerve blockade with minimal toxicity. The system consists of nanostructures that bind to tetrodotoxin and slowly release it, allowing for long-lasting pain relief without systemic toxicity.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a new mode of targeting the adenosine A1 receptor protein, which could lead to the development of non-opioid painkillers to treat chronic neuropathic pain. The study provides an opportunity for researchers to develop safer and more effective drugs.
Scientists challenge existing thinking on opioid tolerance and respiratory depression, proposing a new balanced approach to developing safer analgesics. They found that arrestin-3 engagement limits tolerance development but does not exacerbate respiratory depression.
A UCSF study found that older adults who are lonely are more likely to use prescription opioids and sedatives to ease their symptoms. The researchers advocate for 'social prescribing' to local resources instead of medication.
Researchers at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center are investigating whether turmeric can successfully reduce joint pain in breast cancer patients and improve their quality of life. The study aims to provide important data on the safety and effectiveness of using turmeric with oral anti-estrogen therapy.
Multimodal analgesia combines different techniques and medications to optimize pain management while minimizing opioid use and risks. Recent studies have shown that multimodal analgesia can improve pain scores and side effects compared to opioid-based regimens.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that muscle relaxants have a small effect on reducing pain intensity in the short term, but this effect is not clinically meaningful. The use of muscle relaxants may also increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and nausea.
A survey of 56 residents and 57 faculty members revealed differences in opioid prescribing habits, with faculty preferring more opioids for some procedures. The study aims to improve surgical recovery by developing new protocols and a dashboard to track opioid prescribing practices.
Research shows aspirin can reduce ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction risk by 36% in pneumonia patients. Aspirin also lowers MI rates by 54%, providing potential preventive role for primary care settings.
Researchers developed amperometric biosensors to determine diclofenac levels in food, improving detection limits and accuracy. The study found that diclofenac inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity, enabling its detection in milk and other dairy products.
A new study by NIH-funded researchers found that a diet higher in fatty fish and lower in vegetable oils can reduce the number of migraines and intensity of pain. Participants experienced a 30-40% reduction in headache hours per day compared to those on a control diet.
A large study found that pregnant women using over-the-counter painkillers have a higher risk of preterm delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Healthcare guidance for pregnant women regarding non-prescription painkiller use should be reassessed.
A naturally occurring peptide in sunflower seeds has been identified as a potential drug for treating abdominal pain or inflammation. The peptide selectively activates pain transmission pathways without causing opioid side effects, reducing the risk of dependency and overdose.
A new study found that over 70% of people with fibromyalgia who use CBD substitute it for opioids or other pain medications, reporting improved symptom relief. CBD is being used as a harm reduction strategy due to its non-intoxicating properties and lower potential for abuse.
Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for IBS pain, derived from tarantula venom. In mice experiments, the molecule Tsp1a significantly reduced symptoms associated with chronic IBS pain, without interfering with other body functions.
A new study reveals that common OTC drugs for sore throat are more harm than good, causing inflammation and damage to upper respiratory cells. Biovanta, a naturally derived drug, has been shown to reduce inflammation and treat respiratory inflammation effectively.
Recent guidelines discourage routine aspirin use in adults 70 and older, but research suggests that older adults with diabetes may have potential overuse of aspirin therapy. If not actively discontinued, this could lead to unnecessary risks and side effects.
New study finds that elderly RA patients are not at higher risk of serious infections with bDMARDs or JAKi, but glucocorticoid use and underlying diseases increase the risk. Better physical capacity is associated with a lower risk of serious infection.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that NSAIDs like ibuprofen provide better pain control with fewer adverse effects than codeine after outpatient surgery. Patients taking NSAIDs reported lower pain scores and fewer side effects compared to those taking codeine.
Researchers developed a novel gene therapy approach that utilizes acetaminophen to correct disease-causing mutations and make liver cells immune to its toxic effects. This allows treated cells to multiply and reduces the need for liver transplants in treating genetic disorders.
New studies suggest that treating post-surgery pain with non-opioid medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can lead to equal short-term outcomes and patient satisfaction as opioids. Researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 patients who had one of seven common operations at 70 hospitals.
A Curtin study reveals that aspirin, a naturally occurring compound found in willow trees, can improve the survival of grass species important for ecological restoration and sustainable pasture. Low concentrations of salicylic acid applied to seeds can boost plant growth and resistance to stress.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin discovered a non-opioid based target to alleviate chronic touch pain and spontaneous pain in mice. The target, TRPC5, is expressed in both mouse and human neurons that send pain signals to the spinal cord.