Articles tagged with Opioids
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A recent study published in JAMA found that opioids provide only modest benefits for patients with chronic non-cancer pain. The research suggests that while opioids may help alleviate symptoms, their use comes with a high risk of side effects and addiction.
A new study by Stanford Medicine and Duke University finds that early physical therapy can reduce the risk of long-term opioid use by 7-16% for patients with musculoskeletal pain. Physical therapy is also associated with a 5-10% reduction in opioid dosage for those who do use them.
A study of nearly 89,000 U.S. adults found that early physical therapy was associated with lower opioid use for shoulder, knee, and low back pain, but not neck pain. This suggests that early physical therapy may play a role in reducing the risk of long-term opioid use in patients with musculoskeletal pain.
Researchers have developed monoclonal antibodies effective against several synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and carfentanil. The vaccine could help combat opioid addiction and reduce overdose deaths by blocking the analgesic effects of these potent drugs.
Researchers are developing a nonopioid drug, ML351, to treat certain types of chronic pain. The drug targets a novel signaling pathway responsible for chronic pain development and has shown promise in preclinical studies.
A new study found that an ultrarestrictive opioid prescribing strategy was associated with fewer pills dispensed after surgery, without changes in postoperative pain scores or complications. The protocol reduced opioid pill dispensing by 72-85% for patients undergoing different types of surgery.
Researchers explore novel approaches to monitoring opioid use in municipal wastewater, offering a rapid, cost-effective solution to supplement existing data. The method can identify hot spots of drug use and predict shifts in consumption patterns, aiding in the development of effective intervention programs.
Patients undergoing cardiac surgery with persistent opioid use have a higher rate of complications, longer hospital stays, and increased costs compared to those without opioid use. The study found no significant difference in mortality rates between the two groups.
A study by researchers at Idaho State University found that a quarter of chronic opioid users in Idaho were at risk for overdose from unsafe combinations of prescriptions. Pharmacists are urged to facilitate communication between prescribers and educate patients on the risks of these dangerous drug combinations.
Despite unmet need for treatment of substance use disorders, telemedicine use for this condition remains woefully underused. The study found that telehealth visits for substance use disorder accounted for only 1.4 percent of all telehealth visits, highlighting a significant gap in access to care.
An observational study found a higher risk of subsequent opioid use and abuse among patients exposed to opioids prescribed by dental providers. The study, examining outpatient opioid prescriptions for patients aged 16-25, suggests increased scrutiny is needed during third-molar extractions and postoperative care
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that teens and young adults who receive their initial opioid prescriptions from dentists are at increased risk for opioid addiction in the following year. The study, which examined nearly 15,000 patients, found that those who received dental opioid prescriptions were more likely to c...
High-dose opioids are widely prescribed for chronic pain, but can cause self-perpetuating therapy and withdrawal. The Canadian government should recall these formulations to regulate dangerous prescribing practices. This would help fuel the opioid crisis, particularly among patients with addiction.
A new study found that amphetamine and opioid use in pregnancy increased substantially over the last decade, particularly in rural counties. Amphetamine-affected births doubled, while the rate of opioid use quadrupled, resulting in higher risks of severe maternal morbidity and mortality.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that opioid prescriptions for children and adolescents have been steadily decreasing since 2012. The analysis of data between 2004 and 2017 showed a significant decline in outpatient opioid prescription rates, with a notable decrease in hydrocodone bitartrate prescriptions.
A study of 73 adults with sickle cell disease found that even high-dose opioid treatment did not effectively manage pain in a subset of patients. The researchers emphasize the need for non-opioid pain relievers to address this challenge.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that strong opioids increase the risk of hip fractures in people with Alzheimer's disease. The risk was highest in the first two months of opioid use, and was significantly higher for moderate to strong opioids.
A Malaysian survey found that misconceptions about opioids affect pain control among cancer patients, with fears of addiction and immune system damage being the most common barriers. The study highlights the need for improved accessibility to pain relief treatments in low- and middle-income countries.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that one in five people with Alzheimer's disease use benzodiazepines and opioids concurrently. Prolonged use was linked to lung diseases, osteoporosis, and fractures.
A new study reveals that adults identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are more likely to misuse opioids than heterosexual counterparts. Women who identify as bisexual are particularly at increased risk, with twice the likelihood of misuse compared to other groups.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed an algorithm that uses supercomputers to analyze genetic data, identifying genes linked to pain and opioid addiction. Meanwhile, a team from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory used deep learning methods to improve weather forecasting, leveraging high-performance computing and in...
Two studies found that fewer than 25% of California retail pharmacies dispense naloxone without a physician's prescription, and 69% of Texas chain pharmacies reported having the medication in stock. The studies aimed to assess naloxone accessibility after legislation allowed pharmacists to provide the antidote without a prescription.
Since 2012, prescription opioids dispensed to children and adolescents have decreased, with an average of 4 per 1,000 children receiving an outpatient opioid prescription in 2009-2012. Long-term opioid prescription use has also declined since the start of 2017.
A new computer tool has been developed to identify patients with chronic pulmonary embolism (PE) who can be safely treated at home. The tool uses a sensitive cardiac injury marker, troponin, to measure the severity of PE and predict patient outcomes.
A new study found that surgery patients often take less than half of the prescribed opioid pain medications, with prescription size being the most important factor. The study suggests that surgeons can reduce opioid prescriptions and improve patient safety by considering individual factors such as pain scores and operation intensity.
A study of almost 2,400 patients in Michigan who underwent surgery found that more opioids were prescribed than used. Patients used about 27 percent of the opioids prescribed, with larger prescriptions associated with increased use.
Researchers found that widely used naloxone nasal spray and injection products retain high potency and stability beyond their labeled expiration dates. This study suggests extending shelf-life could aid in increasing medication availability, particularly during the ongoing opioid epidemic.
A new study finds significant variation in opioid prescription rates and child removal rates among states, with some states experiencing a positive association between the two.
Researchers developed a new marker that can accurately detect cardiac injury, reducing the need for costly and invasive stress tests. The test uses high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assays to measure troponin concentrations lower than conventional assays.
Preliminary research suggests opioid use increases risk of developing atrial fibrillation by 34 percent. Atrial fibrillation is a chaotic quivering of the heart's upper chambers, one of the leading causes of strokes.
A study found racial and ethnic differences in emergency pain relief for children with long bone fractures, with minority children more likely to receive pain medication but less likely to receive opioid analgesia. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of consistent pain management for all pediatric patients.
The $1.5 million grant will allow Brown, RIDOC and partners to expand MAT treatment for high-risk individuals, addressing gaps in the existing program. Over three years, the team aims to treat over 300 additional Rhode Island residents with opioid use disorders.
UA pharmacologists aim to prevent opioid tolerance by targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate, a lipid that may induce opioid sensitivity. Fingolimod, an existing medication for multiple sclerosis, shows promise as a potential solution.
A study found that maternal opioid use disorder diagnoses are increasing among rural residents, with over half of these cases occurring in rural hospitals. Rural women with opioid use disorder are more likely to give birth in urban teaching hospitals, highlighting the need for resources in both rural and urban settings.
Adults with chronic kidney disease have a higher likelihood of receiving opioid prescriptions and using them, suggesting a link to the national opioid epidemic. Multiple comorbid conditions, including pain-causing and non-pain-related conditions, are associated with increased prescription opioid use in patients with CKD.
A recent study estimates that over 275,000 people in Massachusetts have opioid use disorder, with the prevalence increasing from 2.7% in 2011 to 4.6% in 2015. The study used linked public health data sets to provide a more accurate picture of the impact of opioids in the state.
A new clinical protocol called STOP Narcotics reduces post-operative opioid prescribing by 50%, while maintaining adequate pain control, and increases medication disposal. The study involved 416 patients undergoing general surgery and found significant reduction in opioid use and diversion.
A new protocol developed by Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital reduces opioid use after colorectal surgery, resulting in shorter hospital stays. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol includes pre-emptive pain management, non-opioid general anesthesia, and postoperative programmed non-narcotic analgesics.
SLU scientist Daniela Salvemini is studying chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment and opioid addiction to develop new treatments. Her research aims to identify novel therapeutic approaches to mitigate chemo-brain and improve quality of life for cancer patients.
A new study reveals wide variation in benzodiazepine prescribing among primary care doctors, with some counties having three times the level of sedative prescribing as others. High-intensity prescribers tend to be high-intensity users of opioid painkillers and other high-risk medications.
A study of 9,449 university students found that opioid misuse linked to lower GPAs and increased impulsivity. Risk factors identified include living off campus and early age of sexual activity.
A study of 17,608 US adults aged 50+ found that past-year misuse of prescription opioids or benzodiazepines was associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation. Misuse of both medication classes was linked to a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts.
Opioid-induced constipation affects 40-60% of patients taking chronic opioid therapy. A new AGA guideline recommends starting with traditional laxatives as first-line agents, followed by PAMORA drugs if symptoms persist. These treatments aim to improve bowel symptoms without compromising pain relief.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine suggests that intravenous, low-dose ketamine is as effective as intravenous morphine in controlling acute pain in adults in the emergency department. The findings indicate that ketamine can be considered as an alternative to opioids for ED short-term pain control.
A study found that patients perceive opioids as superior for post-surgical pain relief, despite concerns about addiction and side effects. However, another study showed that opioids are tied to complications after back procedures, including increased pain and poorer quality of life.
Researchers will conduct the first randomized controlled trial of a peer-based recovery intervention for patients at high risk of overdose. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of a single session with a social worker versus a four-year peer-led recovery program.
A CU Denver researcher is conducting clinical research to develop an evidence-based treatment for comorbid pain and opioid addiction. The study aims to reduce substance abuse and pain relapse among patients with chronic pain, using a combination of therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that US public and private health insurance policies are inconsistent in covering non-drug treatments for lower back pain. Most plans lacked clear coverage terms for acupuncture, psychological counseling, and physical therapy, with only a few covering these alternatives.
A recent study found that at-risk teens and young adults are not being tested for hepatitis C, a serious liver infection, despite their risk of contracting it. The study, which analyzed data from over 250,000 youth, suggests that current guidelines underestimate who is at risk for the infection.
A new study finds that for every 1% increase in depression diagnoses, opioid overdose deaths rise by 25-35%. The researchers emphasize the need for doctors to screen for depression before prescribing opioids and for better access to mental health care.
Research at Binghamton University found that low self-esteem is associated with high opioid use and serves as a mediator between life stressors and opioid abuse. The study suggests individuals with poor self-esteem may seek opioids to cope with stressors like health, family, or romance problems.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute argue that targeting nociception can lead to improved anesthesia outcomes, including reduced medication use and faster patient recovery. By combining drugs to affect nociception, anesthesiologists can achieve a more desirable anesthetic state with better pain control.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that patients treated with more-invasive surgical techniques for early-stage lung cancer were more likely to become chronic opioid users. In contrast, those who underwent minimally invasive VATS surgery were less likely to fill opioid prescriptions after surgery and in the long term.
A new study analyzing nearly 600,000 unintentional drug overdoses reveals a smooth exponential growth curve nationwide. Regional hotspots have been identified, except for select areas in the north central US.
A new study explores why people keep eating despite feeling full, showing that two tiny clusters of cells battle for control and the opioid system gets involved. Researchers found that stimulating POMC neurons decreases appetite, while AgRP neurons drive eating when both are activated.
A Mayo Clinic study found that enrollment in an opioid controlled substance agreement significantly reduces primary care visits, hospitalizations, and specialty visits among patients with chronic health conditions. The agreement also leads to increased radiology visits, but not emergency department services.
A study found that patients with higher continuity with their prescribing physician received fewer risky opioid prescriptions and were less likely to be hospitalized for opioid-related causes. However, long-term opioid use was associated with lower continuity scores than other medications, highlighting the need for improved prescribing...
A study found a clear geographical split in opioid prescribing in England, with the North showing higher rates of chronic pain, anxiety, and poor general health. Opioid use was linked to intensity of pain, educational attainment, and general health, highlighting the need for alternative pain management strategies.
A national analysis of physician visit records found that nearly 30 percent of outpatient opioid prescriptions lack clear documentation of the reason for use. This raises concerns about inappropriate prescribing and lax documentation practices. The study highlights the need for stricter requirements on documenting the need for opioids.
Researchers found that nearly 9% of people who died by suicide in 18 states between 2003 and 2014 had chronic pain documented in their incident records. Chronic pain was associated with risk factors for suicide, but previous studies primarily examined nonfatal suicidal behaviors.