Articles tagged with Opioids
A UBC study found that marijuana use could help some alcoholics and opioid addicts kick their habits, as well as alleviate symptoms of depression, PTSD, and social anxiety. However, cannabis may not be recommended for conditions like bipolar disorder and psychosis.
A recent study found that one-third of people initiating opioid use became long-term users, particularly those using transdermal patches. Long-term opioid use was comparable to that of non-dementia individuals, but combined with benzodiazepines, it poses a significant risk.
The use of prescription opioids in Canada has increased steadily over the past 20 years, leading to a rise in overdose deaths and addiction. Experts propose several interventions, including guidelines for prescribing, limited dosages, electronic monitoring systems, and access to evidence-based treatment.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine found that electroacupuncture can lower blood pressure for at least three days by increasing enkephalin gene expression. The therapy may be suitable for treating clinical hypertension with minimal side effects.
A Scripps Florida team has illuminated a key molecular player in the addictive effects of morphine. The protein neurofibromin 1 is also disrupted in an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type 1, which causes chronic pain and other symptoms.
Research suggests that many people with chronic low back pain experience limited relief from opioids, with only 13% finding them 'very successful'. Additionally, patients often report side effects such as constipation, sleepiness, and cognitive issues.
RTI International is studying Appalachian states' opioid prevention and treatment policies to develop evidence-based recommendations. The study will analyze existing public health policies, identify best practices, and inform practical strategies for improving opioid-related programs and services.
A group of pediatricians is urging the pediatric workforce to address opioid addiction among young people, highlighting the need for evidence-based treatment including medication-assisted treatment. Many young people continue to see their pediatric provider well into young adulthood, when they first struggle with opioid addiction.
A randomized trial involving 1,302 asthmatic patients found no evidence to support the effectiveness of orally administered probiotics in reducing respiratory tract infections and antibiotic use. In contrast, a review of psychological interventions for postnatal depression found that community-based therapies were effective treatment o...
A new study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found an increasing proportion of hospitalizations for infective endocarditis linked to injection drug use among younger patients, including more white and female individuals. The study suggests a growing need for programs and services to prevent these deadly and costly infections.
A new study finds significant growth of infective endocarditis admissions among people who inject drugs, particularly among young, white, and female individuals. The study also highlights a shift towards youth, with injection drug use-related infections increasing by 12% between 2000 and 2013.
A study suggests that methylnaltrexone can improve the survival of advanced cancer patients with constipation, indicating a potential target for cancer therapy. The drug works by blocking opioid receptors in the gut, reversing constipation without affecting pain relief.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have identified a novel pain-killing compound, BU08028, that is not addictive and provides safe and effective pain relief without respiratory side effects. The study showed that the compound blocked the detection of pain for up to 30 hours and did not cause physical dependence.
Researchers discovered a protein that prevents delta opioid receptors from responding normally to opioids, but exposure to bradykinin restores their function. This finding could lead to the development of safer, more effective opioids for chronic pain treatment.
Researchers at Georgia State University identified a brain mechanism that prevents morphine tolerance and addiction. Blocking a particular cytokine eliminated morphine tolerance, reducing the dose required for pain relief by half.
A study of Chinese adolescents found a strong association between nonmedical use of prescription drugs and suicidal thoughts or attempts. The researchers also discovered that misuse of opioids and sedatives was linked to subsequent suicide attempts.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that major surgery patients are at a low risk of developing persistent opioid use. Out of 39,140 opioid-naive patients, only 168 continued to receive ongoing opioid prescriptions by 1 year after surgery, highlighting the low individual risk of long-term opioid use.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a significant racial disparity in opioid prescriptions for black patients with vague pain-related conditions, suggesting discrimination and potential unintended consequences. Researchers used the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to examine five-year data from 2007-2011.
A US study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that prescribing short-acting opioids with no refills to opioid-naive patients significantly reduces the risk of long-term dependency. The study analyzed data from Oregon, which has the highest rate of non-medical opioid use in the US.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.