Articles tagged with Opioids
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Researchers found diverse consequences of opioid use in patients with sickle cell disease, including biological, psychological, social, and spiritual effects. The study used a grounded theory approach to gather data from 21 African-American adults with SCD, revealing divergent effects on relationships, productivity, mood, and outlook.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases new recommendations for prostate cancer screening, focusing on shared decision-making and clear patient preference. Men between 50-69 years old should discuss the benefits and harms of PSA testing with their doctor before undergoing screening. The ACP also recommends against screening f...
The Boston University School of Medicine has launched a safe opioid prescribing education program, funded by the first of its kind $1.8 million grant from manufacturers of extended release/long-acting opioid analgesics. The program is designed to train healthcare providers on how to safely manage patients with chronic pain using opioids.
Clinical guidelines suggest monitoring patients closely for harm using urine drug testing, pill counts, and prescription data. Careful management balances pain relief with the risk of addiction and overdose.
A study reveals racial differences in chronic pain management, with black patients experiencing less frequent pain level documentation and more urine drug tests. This may impact the effectiveness of pain management for black patients who overcome barriers to opioid prescriptions.
A new study from Kaiser Permanente found that men on long-acting opioids are 5 times more likely to have low testosterone levels than those on short-acting opioids. The study compared 81 men with chronic pain and found that long-acting opioids significantly increased the risk of low testosterone.
A training program for potential bystanders has been shown to significantly reduce opioid-related overdose deaths, with a dose-related impact on death rates. However, no significant differences were found in emergency department and acute hospital use.
Researchers found that a protein called BDNF is inhibited in opioid addiction, unlike cocaine where it's enhanced. The study identified two genes, sox11 and gadd45g, which mediated the brain's response to morphine, preventing reward and addiction.
The US Food and Drug Administration has introduced a new Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to manage the risks of misuse and addiction associated with long-acting and extended-release opioids. The plan includes requirements for prescriber continuing education and patient counseling, aiming to reduce opioid abuse in the US.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center are implementing a new model of care in primary care settings to decrease opioid misuse and addiction among patients with chronic pain. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of standardized practice guidelines and tools to improve provider monitoring and patient care.
Chronic pain patients with depression are more likely to misuse opioids, and primary care physicians should take a leading role in setting opioid prescribing standards. Safer alternatives like physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective treatments for chronic pain.
A longitudinal study found that adolescents and young adults with mental health disorders are 2.4 times more likely to become long-term opioid users than those without a mental health disorder. Long-term opioid use is common among males, older youth, and those from poorer communities.
Researchers found that mental distractions, especially those requiring cognitive effort, reduce pain perception by inhibiting early spinal cord responses to painful stimuli. This effect is mediated by endogenous opioids, naturally produced by the brain.
A Canadian study found opioids significantly improved the quality of life and relief from shortness of breath for advanced COPD patients. However, physicians were hesitant due to lack of guidance, fear of respiratory suppression, and concerns about censure. Innovative educational initiatives may help bridge this gap in care.
Two studies suggest that opioids can stimulate tumor growth and spread in cancer patients, with laboratory research indicating the mu opioid receptor plays a key role. Medications blocking this receptor may reduce cancer growth and metastasis.
The study found that primary care physicians need training on monitoring opioids and assessing risk factors, whereas specialists emphasize the importance of formulating treatment plans and teaching medication safety. The findings highlight the need for targeted education programs to improve public health.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that prescribing opioids for pain after short-stay surgery is associated with long-term analgesic use. Researchers analyzed population-based data and found that patients who received opioid prescriptions within seven days of surgery were more likely to become long-term opioid users.
A study found that Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans with mental health diagnoses, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder, are more likely to receive prescription opioid medications for pain-related conditions. This increases their risk of misuse and adverse clinical outcomes compared to those without mental health diagnoses.
A retrospective study found that methylnaltrexone (MNTX) restored bowel function and improved feeding outcomes in critically ill patients with opioid-induced constipation. MNTX was well-tolerated and showed immediate effects, improving enteral feeding and reducing gastric residual volumes.
A new study found that individuals with mood and anxiety disorders are more likely to abuse opioids. Non-medical prescription opioid use was associated with an increased risk of developing any mood disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and all anxiety disorders. Early identification and treatment of mood and anxiety di...
Chronic abdominal pain has seen a significant rise in opioid prescriptions, driven by factors such as campaigns to recognize pain as the "fifth vital sign". The use of opioids for non-cancer chronic pain is supported by limited evidence and can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms and worsen abdominal pain.
Chronic opioid users have longer hospital stays, more post-surgical pain and complications, and are less likely to recover fully after knee replacement surgery. Researchers recommend strategies such as weaning patients off strong opioids prior to surgery to improve patient outcomes.
A Group Health Research Institute study found that long-acting opioids and new opioid use are associated with a higher risk of pneumonia in older adults. Benzodiazepines do not seem to increase the risk, but it is crucial to look more closely at opioid prescriptions and infections.
Researchers discovered that low-dose naltrexone inhibits cell proliferation by targeting the OGF-OGFr axis, which regulates cell cycle and proliferation. This study provides new insights into the molecular pathway utilized by LDN, a clinically prescribed agent for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine discovered that low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has a potent antitumor effect on human ovarian cancer. Combining LDN with chemotherapy resulted in an additive inhibitory action on tumorigenesis, reducing DNA synthesis and cell replication.
Despite new guidelines and educational efforts, up to 75% of surgical patients in the USA still fail to receive adequate post-op pain relief. New pain medications and techniques under development could help improve symptom relief for patients.
A review article suggests a shift towards more conservative medication-prescribing practices, considering alternative interventions and weighing risks against benefits. The authors outline seven principles for conservative prescribing, including strategic decision-making and patient-centered care.
Researchers found that naltrexone significantly reduced inflammation in Crohn's disease patients, with 88% experiencing at least a 70-point decline in symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment. The study suggests that interfering with the opioid system may lead to the reversal of inflammation.
Researchers found that 60% of substance-dependent individuals reported fair or poor oral health, with opioid users experiencing worse oral health over time. The study suggests that addressing oral health concerns may facilitate medical care discussions for addicts.
A study found that receiving higher prescribed doses of opioids is associated with an increased risk of opioid overdose death, but receiving both as-needed and regularly scheduled doses is not. The study included data on over 154,000 patients who received opioid therapy for pain.
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.
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.
A collaborative care approach with nurse care managers significantly improves treatment outcomes for patients with opioid addiction. The study found that 51% of patients achieved successful treatment at 12 months and 93% were no longer using illicit opioids after three months.
A study found that primary care physicians rarely monitor patients on prescription opioids, even those at high risk of misuse. Only a small minority of patients underwent urine drug testing, and few were seen regularly in the office.
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 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.
A new study published in Molecular Pain found that a single injection of morphine can strongly reduce testosterone levels in the brain and plasma of male rats. The study's findings are particularly important as testosterone is essential for various bodily functions, including cognitive functions and bone structure remodeling.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have successfully tested a semi-synthetic opioid called buprenorphine to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms in infants. The treatment reduced days of hospital stay by 40% and showed promise in reducing healthcare costs, which could save up to $1 billion annually.
A $250,000 CDC grant supports a Rhode Island Hospital study exploring the effectiveness of statewide prescription monitoring programs in reducing accidental overdose deaths involving prescription opioids. The study aims to provide valuable public health data on medication access and abuse patterns.
A retrospective study of 223 patients with terminal cancer found that opioid use was both safe and effective in the home setting. Patients who received higher doses had a longer median survival time compared to those who received lower doses.
Researchers discovered that the OGF-OGFr axis controls entry from cytoplasm to nucleus, critical for cell proliferation. Nucleocytoplasmic transport involves karyopherin β and Ran, and is dependent on nuclear localization signals.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to ease chronic and acute pain caused by sickle cell disease, using cannibinoids that equally lessen pain in animals as opioids, but with much smaller doses. The treatment has great promise for patients with this genetic blood disorder.
A pre-emptive multimodal pain regimen reduced opioid analgesic use in robotic prostatectomy patients. The study found a mean opioid dose of 49.1 mg for those receiving the regimen, compared to 75.3 mg for standard care.
Research reveals that group visits can significantly improve blood pressure in diabetics with hypertension but not blood sugar levels. Colorectal cancer risk increases with age and birth cohort, suggesting a potential burden to society. Opioid treatment agreements may not reduce misuse, and a new complication from contaminated cocaine ...
A genetic variant of a brain receptor influences dopamine release in response to alcohol, which may contribute to individual differences in alcohol use disorders. This finding aids the development of personalized medications for alcohol problems and explains why some individuals experience enhanced pleasurable effects from alcohol.
The new Canadian practice guideline addresses improper use of opioids in chronic non-cancer pain management. The guideline provides recommendations for safe and effective opioid therapy, with a focus on risk stratification, patient selection, and monitoring.
A European study finds inadequate access to opioid-based pain relief for cancer patients, with some countries restricting essential medicines. The authors conclude that restrictive regulations hinder medical care and recommend revising laws to improve accessibility.
Researchers found prescribed opioids associated with significant overdose risk. Leptin therapy holds promise for long-term weight loss. Atrial fibrillation risk is lower with certain antihypertensives, while higher statin doses may not always prevent coronary artery disease.
A study of nearly 10,000 patients found that those receiving higher opioid doses were 9 times more likely to overdose compared to those on lower doses. The researchers strongly associate the risk with prescribed dose, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing practices.
Researchers at Georgia State University discovered that infant pain can lead to altered brain processing of pain in adulthood. Infants who spent time in the NICU show increased opioid levels and decreased mu and delta opioid receptors, affecting pain medication efficacy.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, including learning disabilities and increased susceptibility to diseases. The destruction of beta-endorphin neurons in the hypothalamus region can result in permanent impairment of stress and immune system functions throughout life.
A study of high school seniors found that most who took opioid medications without a prescription did so for reasons other than pain relief, including relaxation and getting high. Students who used the drugs only for pain relief were less likely to engage in heavy drinking or other substance use.
The review examines the prevalence of prescription opioid addiction among patients and healthcare providers, citing risks and consequences. New approaches to minimize abuse and promote recovery are discussed, emphasizing the importance of awareness and treatment.
The Opioid Growth Factor (OGF) and its receptor (OGFr) play a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation by modulating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. The study found that transport of OGFr into the nucleus required two out of three nuclear localization signals, highlighting the importance of this pathway in cancer treatment.
A new study found that naltrexone significantly decreases heavy drinking rates in smokers enrolled in smoking cessation, with the heaviest drinkers benefiting the most. The medication's potential benefits for co-use of nicotine and alcohol may provide a helpful addition to standard quitting programs.
A rodent study confirms that low to moderate levels of alcohol increase beta-endorphin release in the midbrain/Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) region, producing a general feeling of well-being. This supports a role of beta-endorphin in mediating some of the rewarding effects of alcohol.
Research reveals that chronic alcohol consumption alters neural systems in the brain, leading to cognitive deficits and disorders of memory and learning. Dynorphins, a key player in this process, are found to be upregulated in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, impairing learning and memory.
A recent study found that over 10 million Americans use opioids, with 4 million using them regularly, reflecting a need to strike a balance between opioid misuse and chronic pain control. Opioid regular use increased with age, decreased with education level, and was more common in females and non-Hispanic whites.
Researchers discovered that imiquimod, an immune response modifier, relies on the Opioid Growth Factor (OGF)-OGF receptor axis for its action. This finding provides new insights into the mechanism of imiquimod's antiviral and antitumor activity.
Research presented at the American Pain Society annual meeting found that less than 3% of patients with no history of drug abuse who are prescribed opioids for chronic pain will show signs of possible drug abuse or dependence. Most chronic pain patients do not rely on drugs as a sole solution, and multi-faceted treatment involving phys...