Articles tagged with Placebos
A new study at the Université de Montréal found that caffeine taken before a night shift or studying significantly hurts recovery sleep the next day. Caffeine makes daytime sleep episodes too shallow to override the biological clock, reducing sleep efficiency and duration.
A study of 14 adults with histories of sedative abuse found that the new sleep medication ramelteon does not appear to have effects indicating potential for abuse or motor or cognitive impairment. Ramelteon works through a different pathway in the brain and may be less likely to cause such effects.
A study at Emory University Health Sciences Center found that giving progesterone to trauma victims shortly after a brain injury may reduce the risk of death and disability. The researchers also found a 50% reduction in death rate and significant improvement in functional outcome among patients who received progesterone.
The Phase 3 clinical trial of Fampridine-SR demonstrated a consistent improvement in walking speed, with 34.8% of participants showing a significant increase compared to 8.3% on placebo. The study also showed a statistically significant improvement in leg strength and a reduction in disability reported by daily activities.
Researchers found that zolmitriptan nasal spray was effective in treating cluster headaches, providing pain relief to 50% of patients. The medication's quick absorption and minimal side effects make it a potential first-line treatment option for acute cluster headaches.
A new selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) has been found effective in treating moderate-to-severe premature ejaculation, reducing time to ejaculation by 1.75-2.78 minutes compared to placebo. The treatment also improves men's control over ejaculation and satisfaction with sexual intercourse.
A pivotal clinical trial has found idursulfase effective in treating underlying enzyme deficiency in patients with Hunter syndrome. Weekly infusions of the enzyme replacement drug have been shown to improve symptoms such as joint stiffness, breathing difficulties, and coarsening of facial features.
A new medication, varenicline tartrate, has been found to be effective both short- and long-term for smokers trying to quit. The study showed that varenicline was more effective than placebo in promoting continuous abstinence across all treatment groups.
Researchers found that taking Lipitor reduced the risk of secondary stroke by 16% and major coronary events by 35%. The study suggests that initiating statin treatment shortly after a stroke may be beneficial for patients at high risk.
A study suggests that ketamine, a general anesthetic agent, can rapidly alleviate depression symptoms within two hours. The effects of ketamine last for up to one week, making it a potential game-changer in treating depression with rapid onset and sustained response.
A placebo study found that brain activity during a 'placebo lead-in' phase prior to antidepressant treatment can predict clinical outcomes. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, used EEG measurements to analyze changes in brain activity and its impact on depression scores.
New data demonstrate that lamotrigine is an effective adjunctive therapy for treating primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures in children and adolescents. The study found a significant reduction in PGTC seizure counts among patients receiving lamotrigine, with a median percent decrease of 77% compared to the placebo group.
A recent meta-analysis found that COPD patients taking beta-agonist inhalers are at a higher risk of respiratory deaths compared to those using anticholinergics. The study suggests that anticholinergics should be the bronchodilator of choice in COPD treatment.
Studies show varenicline significantly improves continuous abstinence rates compared to placebo and bupropion SR at all time points. Varenicline reduces craving and withdrawal, increasing the odds of quitting smoking.
A new analysis of 22 trials with 15,276 participants found that common bronchodilators like tiotropium and ipratropium reduced respiratory-related deaths by 73 percent. In contrast, regularly inhaled beta-agonists increased the risk of respiratory death more than twofold.
A study shows that a prostate cancer vaccine, sipuleucel-T, can increase survival by up to four-and-a-half months and provide a greater than three-fold increase in survival at 36 months compared to patients in the placebo group. The vaccine was well-tolerated with mild adverse effects.
A study found that cherry juice can significantly reduce muscle strength loss and improve average pain scores in individuals with muscle damage. The study suggests that cherry juice may be a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for treating conditions like arthritis and gout.
A study found that ROZEREM was effective in promoting sleep and did not cause lingering effects the next day. The medication was associated with a decrease in time to fall asleep compared to placebo.
A new study reveals that Pycnogenol, a French maritime pine bark extract, significantly reduces hyperactivity and improves attention, concentration, and motor-visual coordination in children with ADHD. The study's findings suggest that Pycnogenol may serve as a safe and effective treatment for children diagnosed with ADHD.
Researchers found that treating intubated patients with chlorhexidine paste reduced the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia by 65%, while a combination of chlorhexidine and colistin cut the risk by 55%. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, suggests a cost-effective approach to prev...
Patients with anorexia nervosa who receive antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine do not experience a significant decrease in the risk of relapse. The study found that similar percentages of patients assigned to fluoxetine and placebo maintained their weight and remained in the study for up to 52 weeks.
The study found that ACTOS reduced the number of patients on insulin and mean daily insulin dose, as well as delaying need for permanent insulin use. In high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes, these results could lead to less dependence on daily insulin use.
A meta-analysis of 33,826 asthma patients found that long-acting beta-agonists increase hospitalization rates by 2.5 times and life-threatening asthma attacks by two times compared to placebo. Naps and caffeine can combat fatigue in medical interns and night drivers.
A University of Minnesota study found that directed health education and advice-oriented counseling can help African American light smokers quit. The study showed that participants who received specific health education had double the quit rate compared to those receiving motivational counseling.
Phase II and phase III clinical trials demonstrate DAYTRANA's effectiveness in reducing ADHD symptoms, including improvements in behavior and classroom performance. The patch formulation provides a once-daily treatment option for children aged 6-12 with ADHD.
Researchers found that patients taking ramelteon experienced a significant advancement of dim light melatonin secretion offset compared to placebo. The results suggest that ramelteon may help people adjust to time zone changes and shift their natural circadian rhythm.
Recent studies have found that biologic therapies, such as adalimumab and certolizumab pegol, can effectively maintain clinical remission and response in patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. These treatments have shown fewer side effects compared to traditional medications.
A study conducted by Heiner K. Berthold and colleagues found that policosanol had no clinically relevant lipoprotein-lowering properties in white patients. The trial included 143 patients with hypercholesterolemia or combined hyperlipidemia, and none showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels.
A large clinical examination found that 185 out of 187 women returned to menstruation within 90 days of stopping a non-cyclic oral contraceptive. The study results suggest that women can expect a quick return to menses after discontinuing daily oral contraception.
A new type of medication, varenicline, is being developed to target the neurobiological mechanism of nicotine dependence. Trials have shown promising results, with short-term and long-term quit rates significantly higher than those achieved with existing medications or placebos.
The COMBINE study found that medication naltrexone, combined with up to 20 sessions of specialized alcohol counseling and structured medical management, is an effective option for treating alcohol dependence. The study demonstrated a small advantage in preventing relapse at 1 year after treatment.
A study published in JAMA found that medical management with naltrexone significantly improved drinking rates and days abstinent. The researchers also discovered that combining behavioral therapy with medical management showed better results than treatment with placebos alone.
An international study found that low-dose rituximab can achieve remission in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The treatment showed no correlation between steroid use and disease improvement, but was associated with mild adverse events.
Researchers found that using a high-dose nicotine patch significantly reduced relapse rates among smokers who experienced lapses. Participants who used the active patch after lapsing were up to 4-6 times less likely to 'cheat' again, making it more effective in preventing full relapse.
A study of 1,460 elderly women found that calcium supplementation did not reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures overall, but compliance was key. Women who took 80% or more of their daily pills had a lower risk of fractures and improved bone test results.
A new clinical trial launched by Mount Sinai aims to determine whether a combination therapy is more effective than individual treatments in slowing or halting progression of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. The study will recruit 1000 patients and assess the impact of treatment over 36 months.
A study of postmenopausal women found that those taking conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) had a lower rate of invasive breast cancer, total breast cancer, and localized disease compared to placebo group. CEE also showed a decrease in the risk of ductal carcinomas, but not lobular disease.
A study found that ramelteon significantly reduced time to fall asleep in approximately two-thirds of patients, with no rebound insomnia or withdrawal effects. The medication showed effectiveness in treating chronic insomnia, representing an alternative option for patients seeking a safe sleeping aid.
Researchers found that donepezil significantly improved cognitive function and daily activities in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in The Lancet, showed a 20% reduction in dementia symptoms and an increase in quality of life for patients on the treatment.
A randomized trial found that high humidity does not improve symptoms of moderate to severe croup in children. The researchers suggest that the use of humidity is not warranted and may be attributed to factors such as comfort and temperature.
A recent study found that fondaparinux significantly reduces the risk of death and reinfarction in patients with STEMI, with benefits observed at 30 days, 9 days, and study end. The treatment also showed a tendency to fewer severe bleeding events.
A four-year study of 772 people with pre-hypertension found that early blood pressure treatment can postpone true hypertension by 15.6%. The study suggests that drug treatment interrupted blood-vessel processes that raise blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The ISAR-REACT 2 Trial found that abciximab significantly reduced the risk of death, heart attack, and ischemic complications in patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS undergoing PCI. The study also showed no significant difference in bleeding risks between the two groups.
Two Phase 3 studies demonstrate high-level, sustained response to REMICADE maintenance therapy, achieving long-term clinical response in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Patients receiving scheduled REMICADE treatment showed rapid and marked improvement in psoriasis symptoms.
Researchers found that denosumab significantly increased BMD at the total hip (3.6% vs. -0.6%) and lumbar spine (6.7% vs. -0.8%) in women administered the therapy twice yearly, with a rapid onset of action. The study also showed improvements in distal 1/3 radius and total body BMD.
A phase 2 trial evaluating denosumab, a RANK Ligand inhibitor, found the treatment increased BMD at the lumbar spine and total hip in postmenopausal women with low BMD. The therapy demonstrated rapid and sustained responses in bone metabolism.
Rimonabant, a weight loss medication, shows modest benefit in reducing weight and improving cardiometabolic risk factors in obese patients. The study found significant reductions in weight, waist circumference, and triglycerides, as well as increases in HDL cholesterol levels.
A year-long, double-blind study found saw palmetto to be ineffective in treating enlarged prostate. The study involved 225 patients who received either saw palmetto or a placebo twice daily for one year, with no statistically significant difference in symptoms or side effects.
A study of 270 individuals with chronic arm pain found that patients receiving sham acupuncture reported a more significant decrease in pain and symptom severity than those receiving placebo pills. The results suggest the medical ritual of a device can deliver an enhanced placebo effect beyond that of a placebo pill.
A study of 93 critically ill patients found that hydrocortisone supplementation improved ventilator weaning success rates, especially in those with renal insufficiency. The treatment reduced mortality and morbidity in mechanically ventilated patients with adrenal insufficiency.
A double-blind study found that acetazolamide significantly improved patient perception of sleep quality and reduced daytime fatigue in heart failure patients with sleep apnea. The medication showed promise in reducing sleep-related breathing disorders, which may also improve cardiac function.
A new study verifies Namenda's effectiveness in slowing cognitive decline and improving daily activities in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. The medication maintained its benefits when continued treatment was added to the original 28-week study.
A recent study published in JAMA found that administering L-arginine to patients following a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) does not reduce vascular stiffness or improve ejection fraction. In fact, the study suggests that older patients taking L-arginine may be at an increased risk of death after a heart attack.
A study found that etanercept reduced psoriasis severity by 47% and improved depression symptoms by 50% in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. The treatment also alleviated fatigue, showing promise for treating the emotional and psychological effects of the disease.
The International study reported a significant improvement in median time-to-disease progression with REVLIMID plus dexamethasone compared to placebo plus dexamethasone. The best response rate, complete response and near complete response rates were also higher with REVLIMID plus dexamethasone.
A clinical trial found that patients with RLS who continued treatment with pramipexole experienced a significantly longer time before symptoms worsened compared to those on placebo. Pramipexole also improved quality of life scores, demonstrating its potential as a long-term treatment option for RLS.
A European study found pramipexole significantly reduces RLS severity and improves quality of life, with notable improvements in Vitality and Bodily Pain scores. The treatment showed efficacy using two measurement criteria: IRLS and CGI-I scale.
Long-term Phase 3 data from ACT 1 and ACT 2 trials demonstrate REMICADE's efficacy in achieving clinical response, clinical remission, and mucosal healing in UC patients. Approximately two-thirds of patients treated with REMICADE achieved the primary endpoint of clinical response.
A study of people with fibromyalgia found those with greater hour-to-hour and day-to-day variability in their pain levels were more likely to respond to placebos. The researchers used electronic diaries to track participants' pain levels, which proved more accurate than previous methods.
MabThera demonstrates significant improvements in symptom parameters, including tender and swollen joint counts and fatigue, with higher response rates compared to methotrexate alone. The treatment was well-tolerated, with consistent safety profiles across the six-month analysis.