Articles tagged with Opioids
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A new street drug combining fentanyl and U-47700 is being marketed as 'Norco' in Central California, posing a significant threat to users. The synthetic opioid's toxicity led to an unexpected cluster of fatal deaths in the area.
A new study shows that a non-drug approach combining behavioral therapy and social support can effectively manage chronic pain in individuals with addiction, improving their ability to function and reducing substance use. The low-cost approach, called ImPAT, has the potential to be widely adopted by addiction treatment centers worldwide.
A recent study found that adults with moderate or more severe pain are at a 41% higher risk of developing prescription opioid use disorders. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 34,000 adults and confirmed previous findings on age and sex as risk factors.
Researchers found that subdermal buprenorphine implants maintained low to no illicit opioid use among currently stable opioid-dependent patients. The study showed that 72% of participants who received buprenorphine implants and 64% of those who received sublingual buprenorphine maintained opioid abstinence over six months.
Researchers found that new opioid use among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a significantly increased risk of respiratory-related complications and death. The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that even lower-dose opioids may pose risks for this population.
Researchers explore cyclic opioid peptides with constrained topographical structure, offering improved affinities and selectivities at target receptors. The benefits of cyclization have been enhanced through the generation of polycyclic peptides, promoting increased stability and therapeutic potential for novel therapeutics.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that patients undergoing certain types of surgery are at increased risk of becoming chronic users of opioid painkillers. The study highlights the need for surgeons and physicians to closely monitor patients' use of opioids after surgery and use alternate methods of pain control.
Certain surgical procedures, especially those involving joints and abdominal surgery, are associated with an increased risk of chronic opioid use after surgery. Patients with certain preoperative conditions, such as depression or a history of substance abuse, are also at higher risk.
A study found that about 15% of complex postoperative pain patients develop moderate to severe chronic pain, consuming 90% of healthcare's pain-related resources. The annual projected total cost linked to TGH surgical patients who develop moderate-to-severe chronic post-surgical pain could range from $2.5 million up to a possible $4.1 ...
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that coprescribing naloxone with opioids for chronic pain can significantly reduce opioid-related emergency room visits. The study also showed that patients prescribed naloxone had substantially fewer overdose episodes compared to those not prescribed the medication.
A new study found that state laws restricting prescription opioids had no measurable effect on opioid use among disabled Medicare beneficiaries. The analysis revealed no significant association between state laws and hazardous prescribing patterns.
States with robust prescription drug monitoring programs saw a significant reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths, with an average of 1.55 fewer deaths per 100,000 population compared to states without such programs. Implementing these programs could prevent over 600 additional overdose deaths nationwide.
A small study found that long-term opioid treatment increased pain intensities, fatigue, and impaired daily activities in patients with sickle cell disease. Central sensitization, a phenomenon amplifying painful sensations, was also more pronounced in those on opioids.
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 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 study found that opioid prescribing at hospital discharge is common among Medicare patients without prior opioid use, with substantial variation across hospitals. Another study revealed that many adults with recent opioid medication use share or keep leftover medication for future use, highlighting the need for safer practices.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that US hospitals have significantly varying rates of opioid prescribing, with some discharging up to 20% of patients with new prescriptions. Short-term prescriptions can lead to long-term use and potentially abuse.
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.
A study of 574 patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery found that 30% were taking opioids prior to surgery, with 35% continuing to take them six months later. High-dose opioids and higher pain scores on the day of surgery were associated with persistent opioid use.
Millions of Americans take long-term opioid medications to manage chronic pain, but transitioning away can be complex and anxiety-provoking. However, study participants reported improved quality of life after the transition, highlighting the importance of intensive support from family and healthcare providers.
New research suggests that more time spent by parents with their newborns during treatment eases withdrawal symptoms and shortens hospital stays. The study found that skin-to-skin contact plays a role in reducing NAS symptoms, supporting the importance of parental engagement in care.
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 recent study found that 74% of fentanyl patch prescriptions were not safe due to insufficient prior opioid exposure. The prescribing guidelines for the 50 µg/h dose are often not followed, especially among patients over 65, who are at a higher risk of adverse outcomes.
A new editorial emphasizes the need for proper pain assessment and opioid prescribing to balance treatment effectiveness with addiction risks. Experts call for physicians to speak out as a voice of reason in their communities, advocating for safe and effective pain relief when medically indicated.
A report by an expert panel highlights the need for new approaches to tackle the US opioid epidemic, including multimodal pain management and optimizing health outcomes. The panel also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, patient advocates, and legislators to address this growing public health issue.
Two studies found that patients who reduced their opioid use prior to joint replacement surgery had improved patient satisfaction and outcomes, fewer complications, and a reduced need for post-surgical opioids. Patients with chronic opioid use were more likely to experience prolonged pain and higher rates of post-operative complications.
A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that monthly monitoring and support from pain specialists increased PCP confidence in prescribing opioids, improved patient compliance, and enhanced communication between practitioners. The research highlights the benefits of careful monitoring and pain management support within primary c...
A clinical trial found that modulating the endogenous opioid system improves serotonin-targeting antidepressant therapy effectiveness in patients with persistent depression. The combination drug ALKS-5461 produced significant symptom improvement, with lower doses showing stronger effects.
Drs. D'Onofrio and Fiellin's study found that ED-initiated buprenorphine treatment significantly increased successful addiction treatment initiation and reduced opioid use outcomes among opioid-dependent patients. The study's results suggest a promising intervention for addressing opioid dependence in general medical settings.
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.
Researchers at the National Addiction Centre criticize the widespread use of improvised nasal naloxone kits without testing and regulatory approval. The kits have been shown to have limited absorption rates, with only 4% of naloxone being absorbed when administered nasally.
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 perspective recommends individualized care through careful benefit-risk assessments and education to address the prescription opioid-misuse epidemic. Clinicians face challenges in managing severe chronic pain due to limited tools and reimbursement systems favoring medication-only treatment.
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.
A recent study published in Annals of Family Medicine has found that long-term opioid use is associated with an increased risk of developing new-onset depression. The research, led by Dr. Jeffrey Scherrer, analyzed data from over 70,000 patients and found that longer duration of opioid analgesic use was linked to new-onset depression.
After a nonfatal overdose, nearly 3,000 patients continued to be prescribed opioids, with 70% receiving prescriptions from the same provider who wrote them before. Patients taking high dosages were twice as likely to experience another overdose after discontinuing opioid use.
A study by Boston Medical Center found that nearly 3,000 individuals with chronic pain who experienced a nonfatal opioid overdose continued to be prescribed opioids, with 70% receiving prescriptions from the same provider. Patients who took high dosages were twice as likely to have another overdose at two years of follow-up.
University of Toronto scientists have identified a specific channel in the brain where opioids interfere with breathing, leading to dangerous consequences. Researchers found that mice without this channel breathed normally even under opioid overdose conditions.
The Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital have been awarded grants to integrate substance abuse screening and intervention into their curriculum. The training program aims to expand screening and intervention for opioid overdose deaths in Rhode Island, which has seen a rise in opioid-related deaths. The program will provide traini...
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that the majority of opioid prescriptions are distributed by large numbers of general practitioners, not just a small group of specialists. The top 10 percent of opioid prescribers account for 57 percent of prescriptions, similar to the overall prescribing pattern for all drugs.
Scientists have discovered a potential solution to chronic pain by identifying the key ingredient responsible for painlessness in people born with a rare genetic mutation. By combining low-dose opioids with Nav1.7 blockers, researchers hope to replicate the effect and develop new treatments for millions of patients worldwide.
A new study found that patients who undergo hip-replacement surgery experience a surge in pain medication use before and immediately after surgery, but this trend reverses in the long term. Medication use for insomnia and anxiety also increases before surgery and decreases afterward.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus discovered that patients given opioid pain medication on discharge had a 25% higher risk of becoming chronic users. The study found that medical patients were more likely to progress to chronic use compared to surgical patients.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that commercial electronic health record opioid warning systems often fire off unnecessary alerts, compromising patient safety. The alert fatigue issue highlights the need to refine these systems to highlight only clinically significant alerts.
Deaths from cardiovascular disease among people with rheumatoid arthritis are declining, according to a new study. Researchers found that efforts to prevent and diagnose heart problems may be paying off for patients with the chronic condition.
Researchers found significant variation in opioid prescription rates across BC health areas, with highest volumes correlating to overdose deaths. The study suggests that changing prescribing practices and monitoring sales can help address the issue.
Risk assessments can help identify patients most likely to abuse opioids by reviewing family history, lifestyle, and environment. Clinically useful guides like the Opioid Risk Tool offer good predictive value for physicians.
A study of over 120,000 adults in Ontario found that 70% of those living at home were given a new opioid prescription between 2003 and 2012. Older adults with COPD, especially those in long-term care homes, were at risk of excessive opioid use, which can lead to falls, fractures, and other side effects.
Researchers found that manipulating self-experienced pain affects empathy for pain in others through the endogenous opioid system. The study suggests empathy relies on simulation and is grounded in our own experiences, which may explain why feelings of others can affect us so immediately.
The ESMO Global Opioid Policy Initiative reveals disparities in opioid access across the globe, with the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia showing limited access to essential pain relieving medication. The addition of new Designated Centres brings polices tailored to patient needs, promoting a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found racial disparities in pain management among children with appendicitis in emergency departments, with black children receiving less pain medication and opioids. The study analyzed data from 2003 to 2010 and suggested that more research is needed to understand why such disparities exist.
A Boston University School of Medicine program educates clinicians on safe opioid prescribing, resulting in improved knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practice. The program has empowered clinicians to make informed decisions about opioids for chronic pain sufferers.
A recent study analyzed prescription claims data in Florida and Georgia, finding modest decreases in opioid prescribing and use after implementation of the state's pill mill law and prescription monitoring program. The reductions were most pronounced among patients and providers with high levels of opioid use at baseline.
A study suggests that two Florida laws, enacted to combat prescription drug abuse, led to a small but significant decrease in opioid prescriptions. The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and 'pill mill' law measures reduced the volume of opioids prescribed by 2.5% and the dosage strength by 5.6%, equivalent to 750,000 pills per month.
Researchers at Stanford University have genetically engineered yeast to produce hydrocodone and other opioid painkillers, enabling a faster and potentially less expensive way to produce plant-based medicines. The breakthrough could lower costs and increase access to pain medications for 5.5 billion people worldwide.
Researchers successfully synthesized thebaine and hydrocodone in yeast, offering a novel microbial-based production process for opioids. The breakthrough could significantly reduce production time and potentially create a new source of pain relief worldwide.
A $1.3 million grant from AHRQ supports a demonstration project to track and analyze data on pharmacies' naloxone rescue kit distribution to develop best practices for a national program. The study aims to increase naloxone distribution in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to combat opioid addiction and overdose.
Patients with depression or anxiety experience 50% less pain improvement, 75% more opioid abuse when prescribed opioids. Identifying psychiatric disorders early can improve pain relief and reduce opioid abuse risk.
A study by WSU researchers found that an online program can help people with chronic non-cancer pain manage their symptoms and reduce opioid use. Participants who used the program reported increased confidence and positive thinking, and made progress towards reducing or eliminating pain.