Articles tagged with Opioids
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...
A new policy implemented in a Michigan clinic helped identify 35% of patients misusing opioid medications, while steering dependent patients to treatment. The approach logged and screened all patients receiving opioids for non-cancer pain, with the goal of protecting doctors' ability to prescribe these drugs.
A new study found that black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive strong pain drugs in emergency rooms, despite increased opioid use. Non-opioid pain relievers were prescribed more often to non-whites than whites.
A study found that many cancer patients with metastatic disease incorrectly believe opioids are only for dying patients. Morphine can improve pain management and quality of life for living patients. Experts stress the importance of professional confidence in opioid use to change these beliefs.
A Phase 2 study showed ALO-01, an extended-release morphine sulfate plus sequestered naltrexone, provided similar effectiveness and tolerability to KADIAN Capsules for moderate-to-severe chronic osteoarthritis pain. The majority of patients rated both medications as good or excellent.
The study demonstrated similar release characteristics of the product to those found in previous studies of Alpharma's currently marketed KADIAN Capsules. The company is targeting an NDA filing for its abuse-deterrent product in the first half of 2008.
A recent study found that morphine's effectiveness in pain relief does not correlate with patient survival time. In fact, patients with no opioid experience are at risk of respiratory depression, while those with moderate-to-severe chronic pain are not. This challenges the common misconception that morphine is deadly.
New research published in Palliative Medicine challenges the misconception that morphine is a lethal drug. The study found no significant changes in vital statistics when patients with severe cancer pain were treated with morphine. Morphine's wide safety margin and effectiveness in managing pain have been confirmed.
A Phase IV study found that Kadian's extended-release mechanism is maintained even in the presence of significant amounts of alcohol. The concomitant use of tested levels of alcohol with Kadian has no significant impact on morphine blood levels or release timing.
A systematic literature review found that opioids are effective only in the short-term (less than four months) treatment of chronic low back pain. Long-term effectiveness is not conclusive, and behaviors consistent with opioid abuse were reported in 24 percent of cases.
A study analyzed 227 adult patients with neck pain who participated in a larger prospective, randomized, open-label study. After four weeks, patients reported a 30.7% reduction in pain intensity, suggesting that Kadian offers broad utility for even the most disabling types of chronic pain.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified two cases of 'broken heart syndrome,' a rare condition that mimics a heart attack, resulting from opioid withdrawal and cocaine use. The findings highlight the importance of cautious medication management and patient education to prevent serious complications.
A study found that new mothers experience six common postpartum symptoms, including fatigue, breast discomfort, and decreased desire for sex. Women who had cesarean sections reported significantly worse physical health than those who gave birth vaginally. Breastfeeding was also linked to more symptoms.
Researchers explore rheumatic pain mechanisms, debunking common misconceptions. Comprehensive treatment approaches are discussed, including exercise, dietary supplements, and opioid analgesics.
A study of 173 children aged 2-16 years found that fentanyl patches improved subjective pain and quality of life. The patches were well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects compared to adults, making them a suitable option for managing chronic severe pain in pediatric patients.
A study of 292 health care professionals found that a family history of substance use disorder, major opioid use, and coexisting psychiatric disorders significantly increased the risk of relapse. The study suggests that intensive monitoring and tailored treatment plans can help prevent relapse among high-risk healthcare professionals.
A study of 750 women in spontaneous labor found no significant difference in C-section rates between those receiving spinal and systemic opioids. Early epidural analgesia was also associated with shorter labors and lower pain scores.
A new study suggests that ingestion of afterbirth may modify specific opioid-receptor systems in the brain, facilitating the onset of maternal behavior. The research, led by UB professor Mark Kristal, aims to determine how endogenous opioid activation during pregnancy and delivery influences maternal behavior.
Researchers analyzed pharmacy and clinical databases to identify high-risk opioid prescribing patterns. Patients without cancer were more likely to receive higher doses due to factors like older age, HIV/AIDS, and co-prescription of benzodiazepines.
A University of Michigan team found that only half of pharmacies in non-white areas had a sufficient supply of opioid painkillers. Pharmacies in wealthier ZIP codes tended to have better supplies, while those in poorer areas were less likely to carry the drugs due to perceived threats of robbery and street value.
A Duke University Medical Center study found significant regional disparities in opioid use for back pain, with higher rates in the South and among lower-income and less-educated individuals. The study suggests that improving prescribing patterns is crucial for effective national policy.
Researchers found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to prefer sweet tastes than those without. This preference precedes the development of alcoholism and may serve as a marker for genetic risk. The study suggests that a simple test to assess sweet preference could help identify individuals at risk ear...
A new study found that levorphanol's ability to reduce pain is comparable to tricyclic antidepressants and gabapentin, commonly used drugs for neuropathic pain treatment. High-dose treatment provided greater pain reduction without tolerance, but also led to more side effects and participant dropout.
Researchers have found that delta opioid peptide may help protect brain cells from the ravages of Parkinson's disease by inducing a state of suspended animation. The compound was shown to reduce brain damage and neurological deficits in animal models of stroke, suggesting potential benefits for patients.
The Mayo Clinic study highlights the effectiveness of opioids in relieving chronic lower back pain, despite controversy over misuse and potential drug dependence. The research emphasizes the need for careful patient selection and close monitoring to ensure safe treatment outcomes.
A study in Calicut, India found no instances of misuse or diversion of oral morphine over 2 years. The research shows that opioids can be dispensed safely for home use with proper controls in place, overcoming regulatory barriers.