Articles tagged with Opiates
A new study by University of Chicago Medical Center researchers found a remarkable overlap between the effects of nicotine and opiates on dopamine signaling in the brain's reward centers. The findings suggest that these two addictive substances share common underlying brain chemistry mechanisms.
Researchers found peroxynitrite plays a crucial role in opiate-induced antinociceptive tolerance in mice. Accumulation of tyrosine-nitrated proteins and oxidative DNA damage were associated with this process.
Pain researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding the complex relationship between opiate drugs and their addictive effects. By isolating the analgesic effects from morphine, scientists can potentially develop more effective treatments for pain while minimizing the risk of addiction.
Researchers found slow-release morphine sulfate significantly reduced daily cough scores by 40% in patients with long-term, treatment-resistant chronic cough. The optimal dose for suppression lies between 5 and 10 mg twice daily, with common side effects including constipation and drowsiness.
A study by Gavan McNally and colleagues found that opiate users are more susceptible to stress-induced anxiety. The researchers tested rats with morphine or saline solution, then subjected them to restraint stress. The results showed that opiate-treated rats experienced greater anxiety responses, including reduced social interaction, a...
Researchers studying neonatal rat models aim to understand the role of norepinephrine in opiate withdrawal and explore its potential as a treatment. Clonidine, traditionally used for high blood pressure, may provide relief from symptoms in newborn infants.
Researchers found that nicotine activates CREB in the brain's reward pathway, which is also triggered by opiates and cocaine. This suggests a potential new approach to treating nicotine addiction by blocking the reward pathway with opioid receptor blockers.
Researchers developed a new way to predict the number of drug users, finding two epidemic periods with significant increases in opiate and injecting drug users between 1975 and 1995. The study suggests the number of current opiate users has continued to rise since the early 1970s, doubling between 1977 and 1982.
Researchers found that chronic exposure to morphine makes nerve cells more sensitive to stress, leading to increased anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns. The study suggests that this sensitivity may play a role in the cycle of addiction that causes drug abusers to continue seeking drugs.
Researchers found that COX-2 inhibitors significantly reduced postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, and allowed patients to return home sooner. The study showed a 21% reduction in opiate use and improved patient satisfaction with minimally invasive surgery.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 53% of computer searches for 'no prescription codeine' lead to illegal opiate sales sites. The sites often require minimal information and can be accessed from outside the US, posing a significant risk to public health.
A study published in Neurology found that opioid medications effectively relieve postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) pain without significant side effects, with 54% of patients preferring opiates over antidepressants. The research suggests opioids are a good alternative for patients not responding to other types of pain medications.
Research found that knocking out delta opioid receptor increased anxiety and led to increased drinking behavior in mice. The study suggests a potential link between the endogenous opioid system, stress, and alcohol consumption.
Researchers found a direct link between changes in the brain's receptor sites and cocaine addiction behavior, suggesting that the body's natural opiates play a key role in craving. The study uses PET scans to measure binding to opiate receptors, providing new potential avenues for predicting relapse and treating addiction.