Articles tagged with Opioids
Studies in animal models reveal that mTOR activation contributes to morphine tolerance and hyperalgesia, while mitochondrial iron accumulation promotes doxorubicin-associated cardiotoxicity. These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for improving pain management and limiting cardiotoxicity.
Research finds mTOR activation in neurons of dorsal horn contributes to morphine tolerance and hyperalgesia; rapamycin treatment improves opioid tolerance and hyperalgesia in rats. Targeting the mTOR pathway may enhance pain management.
The proportion of opioid treatment programs offering on-site testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) decreased substantially between 2000 and 2011, despite guidelines recommending routine opt-out HIV testing. For-profit opioid treatment programs were more likely to experience this decline.
A study examining incidence and trend of substance use disorder among medical residents found that 0.86% had a confirmed SUD during training, with increasing rates over the study period.
Researchers found that oxycodone is the most popular drug due to its high quality, while hydrocodone remains a favorite despite lower euphoric qualities. Hydrocodone's popularity stems from its affordability, ease of access, and perceived safety, making it an attractive option for risk-averse users.
A study analyzing over 1 million hospital admissions found that over 50% of nonsurgical patients were prescribed opioids, with high doses and late discharge increasing the risk of adverse events. Regional variation in prescribing rates was also observed, with a 37% difference between the highest and lowest regions.
A systematic review found multivitamin supplements lack effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality. Guidelines for opioid prescribing also need improvement to mitigate overdose deaths among patients with chronic pain.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that access to healthcare in counties with more dentists and pharmacists is associated with higher rates of opioid abuse. The study concludes that the structure of local healthcare systems plays a key role in determining community-level access to opioids.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women who adhered to a Mediterranean-type diet in midlife had greater physical and mental function in old age. Researchers also developed a scoring system to identify low-risk patients for strep throat, which could potentially save hundreds of thousands of doctor visits...
A study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that long-term opioid use is linked to a higher risk of developing major depression. Patients who used opioids for 180 days or longer were at a 53% increased risk, while those using them for 90-180 days had a 25% increased risk.
Researchers analyzed conversations between chronic pain patients and their physicians about opioid treatment, revealing three patterns of physician responses: reassurance, avoidance, and gathering information. The study emphasizes the crucial role of a strong therapeutic alliance in discussing risks and benefits of opioid treatment.
A University of Michigan study found that the brain's natural painkiller system responds to social rejection, releasing chemicals called opioids to ease social pain. Individuals with high resilience scores exhibited greater opioid release during social rejection, suggesting a protective or adaptive response.
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that 77% of obese patients who used opioids before bariatric surgery continued to use them chronically after surgery. Chronic opioid use increased by 13% in the first year after surgery.
A study found that bariatric surgery led to greater chronic opioid use in patients with chronic pain, regardless of pre-surgery depression or chronic pain diagnoses. Weight loss after surgery did not reduce opioid use for these patients.
Researchers uncover a surprisingly long-lasting opioid mechanism for chronic pain control, which also leads to physical and physiological dependence. The study suggests that stress may be a key factor in relapse in chronic pain patients and raises questions about the long-term consequences of this mechanism.
A maternal junk food diet during pregnancy changes the development of the opioid signalling pathway in the baby's brain, making them more likely to overconsume high-fat, high-sugar foods. This alteration can lead to negative metabolic outcomes and a lifelong risk of obesity.
A study found that patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to receive opioid pain medications, regardless of racial or ethnic background. The results highlight the need for increased awareness and consistent treatment practices to address these disparities.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that long-term use of prescription painkillers is associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Men taking high-dose opioids for at least four months were 50% more likely to receive ED prescriptions than those who did not take opioids.
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.
A study of 40 patients on high-dose opioid therapy found improved pain control and mental outlook, but also significant hormonal disturbances and signs of inflammation. Despite these complications, the majority of patients reported improvements in at least one physiologic function.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.