ScienceDaily: Opium News

Long-term use of prescription painkillers for back pain linked to erectile dysfunction in men

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:49:49 EDT

Regularly taking prescription painkillers, also known as opioids, is associated with a higher risk of erectile dysfunction in men.

War spawns new approaches for wounded service members' pain care

Sat, 11 May 2013 19:48:48 EDT

Better body armor and rapid aeromedical evacuations enable American service members to survive blasts that would have proved fatal in Vietnam or even the first Gulf War, but they pose new challenges to military medicine – how to deal with the excruciating pain of injuries, especially severe burns from IED blasts that body armor can’t protect.

Heroin vaccine blocks relapse, preclinical study suggests

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:46:46 EDT

Scientists have reported successful preclinical tests of a new vaccine against heroin. The vaccine targets heroin and its psychoactive breakdown products in the bloodstream, preventing them from reaching the brain.

New research examines the spiritual, psychological and other under-appreciated effects of opioids on patients with sickle cell disease

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:42:42 EDT

Researchers sought to shed light on the biopsychosocial and spiritual effects of taking prescribed opioids to treat noncancer pain. Such questions have received little examination and impact the challenging decision of when and how to use opioids, the study authors said. They found that taking opioids had many and diverse consequences for patients in terms of biological, psychological, social and spiritual functioning.

New treatment option for alcohol dependence: Reduced consumption rather than abstinence

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:56:56 EDT

A potential new treatment for alcoholism called nalmefene is effective and safe for reducing alcohol consumption in alcohol dependent individuals, says a new study. Traditionally, abstinence has been regarded as the primary treatment goal for alcohol dependence, and current pharmacological treatments for alcoholism are approved only for relapse prevention. However, relapse rates remain high and a goal of abstinence is unacceptable to many patients.

Study pinpoints, prevents stress-induced drug relapse in rats

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:42:42 EST

Scientists have identified specific key steps in the chain of events that causes stress-related drug relapse. They identified the exact region of the brain where the events take place in rat models and showed that by blocking a step, they could prevent stress-related relapse to drug seeking.

Safe, long-term opioid therapy is possible

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:45:45 EST

Medical researchers say that prescription opioid abuse can be minimized by monitoring patients closely for harm by using urine drug testing, pill counts, and reviewing prescription drug monitoring program data when available.

Eating junk food while pregnant may make your child a junk food addict

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:34:34 EST

A healthy diet during pregnancy is critical to the future health of your children. New research suggests that pregnant mothers who consume junk food cause developmental changes of the opioid signaling pathway in the brains of their unborn children. Consequently, these children are less sensitive to opioids released upon consumption of foods high in fat and sugar, and need to eat more to achieve a "feel good" response.

Disulfiram: New support for an old addiction drug

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:44:44 EST

Disulfiram was the first medication approved for the treatment of alcoholism over 50 years ago. It works, at least in part, by preventing the metabolism of an alcohol by-product, acetaldehyde. High levels of acetaldehyde in the body quickly cause unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, headache, and accelerated heart rate. Thus, disulfiram provides a very strong incentive to avoid drinking.

The pain puzzle: Uncovering how morphine increases pain in some people

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 14:57:57 EST

For individuals with agonizing pain, it is a cruel blow when the gold-standard medication actually causes more pain. Adults and children whose pain gets worse when treated with morphine may be closer to a solution, based on new research.

Electric stimulation of brain releases powerful, opiate-like painkiller

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:45:45 EST

Researchers used electricity on certain regions in the brain of a patient with chronic, severe facial pain to release an opiate-like substance that's considered one of the body's most powerful painkillers.

Gene variants affect pain susceptibility in children

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:33:33 EST

At least two common gene variants are linked to "clinically meaningful" differences in pain scores in children after major surgery, a new study reports.

The mu opioid receptor genotype may be a marker for those who drink for alcohol's rewarding effects

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 19:09:09 EST

Previous research has found that individuals who become more energized, talkative, and/or social when they drink – versus sedated or sleepy – are more likely to drink more heavily. A new study examined the impact of a mutation of the mu opioid receptor gene on the effects of drinking. Findings indicate that the OPRM1 genotype seems to moderate the pleasant and stimulating effects to alcohol among alcohol-dependent individuals.

Drug to treat opioid addiction places children at risk for accidental exposure

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:40:40 EST

As the prescribed use of buprenorphine has dramatically increased in recent years, accidental exposure of children to the drug has risen sharply, placing them at risk for serious injury, and in extremely rare cases even death.

Overprescribing of opioids impacts patient safety and public health

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:57:57 EST

A new article suggests that the clinical practice of prescribing amphetamines, opioids, and benzodiazepines to treat chronic pain may be contributing to the increase in fatal drug overdoses and the likelihood that those drugs will be diverted to the illegal market.

Promising new approach in therapy of pain

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:20:20 EST

The treatment of inflammatory pain can be improved by endogenous opioid peptides acting directly in injured tissue. Scientists have shown that pain can be successfully treated by targeting immune and nerve cells outside the brain or spinal cord.

High-dose opioid treatment associated with mental health and medical comorbidities

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:39:39 EST

A new study shows that patients on higher doses of opioids had higher rates of psychiatric problems, co-prescriptions of sedatives and health care services utilization.

Fibromyalgia and the brain: New clues reveal how pain and therapies are processed

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:34:34 EST

According to new research, pain experienced by people with fibromyalgia may be caused by a problem with the way pain stimuli are processed in the brain. Abnormal pain signal processing may also be related to a lack of responsiveness to opioids, a common class of pain relievers.

Is your memory playing tricks on you? Common medications may be to blame

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 08:48:48 EST

Common medication to treat insomnia, anxiety, itching or allergies can have a negative impact on memory or concentration in the elderly, according to new research. Up to ninety percent of people over the age of 65 take at least one prescription medication. Eighteen percent of people in this age group complain of memory problems and are found to have mild cognitive deficits. Research suggests there may be a link between the two.

Young people driving epidemic of prescription drug abuse, study finds; Abuse of nonmedical analgesics up 40 percent

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:28:28 EDT

A new study reveals that today's adolescents are abusing prescription drugs at a rate 40 percent higher than previous generations. That makes it the second most common form of illegal drug use in the U.S. after marijuana.

Mechanism of opiate addiction is completely different from other drugs

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:46:46 EDT

Chronic morphine exposure has the opposite effect on the brain compared to cocaine in mice, providing new insight into the basis of opiate addiction, according to researchers. They found that a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is increased in cocaine addiction, is inhibited in opioid addiction.

Pain pill abuse: Research sheds light on potential habit-forming properties of tramadol

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:38:38 EDT

A study by a team of University of Kentucky researchers has shed new light on the potential habit-forming properties of the popular pain medication tramadol.

Resveratrol may preserve pain-relieving effects of morphine

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:43:43 EDT

Resveratrol —- the same natural polyphenol found in red wine -— preserves the potent pain-relieving effect of morphine in rats that have developed morphine tolerance, suggests a new study.

Suicide prevention expert outlines new steps to tackle military suicide

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:26:26 EDT

The suicide rate in the US Army now exceeds the rate in the general population, and psychiatric admission is now the most common reason for hospitalization in the Army. These concerning trends are described in a new article.

Factors other than pain affect long-term use of strong pain medications after surgery

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:52:52 EDT

Non-pain-related factors—including previous use of pain medications, high perceived risk of addiction, and symptoms of depression—increase the risk of continuing to use strong pain-relieving drugs several months after surgery, according to a new study.

Long-term methadone treatment can affect nerve cells in brain

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 08:27:27 EDT

Long-term methadone treatment can cause changes in the brain, according to recent studies. The results show that treatment may affect the nerve cells in the brain. The studies follow on from previous studies where methadone was seen to affect cognitive functioning, such as learning and memory.

Scientists can now block heroin, morphine addiction

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 21:32:32 EDT

In a major breakthrough, an international team of scientists has proven that addiction to morphine and heroin can be blocked, while at the same time increasing pain relief.

Scientists show two-drug combination has potential to fight cocaine addiction

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:21:21 EDT

A fine-tuned combination of two existing pharmaceutical drugs has shown promise as a potential new therapy for people addicted to cocaine -— a therapy that would reduce their craving for the drug and blunt their symptoms of withdrawal.

New FDA program adds to tools to curb opioid abuse in United States

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:35:35 EDT

With deaths associated with prescription opioids, often sold illegally, now reaching toward 14,000 each year, experts say a new risk management plan from the US Food and Drug Administration represents a promising opportunity to cut the amount of addictive prescription drugs in circulation for sale and abuse.

Opioid receptors as a drug target for stopping obesity

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:30:30 EDT

Imagine eating all of the sugar and fat that you want without gaining a pound. Thanks to new research the day may come when this is not too far from reality.

Oxycontin formula change has many abusers switching to heroin

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 20:58:58 EDT

A change in the formula of the frequently abused prescription painkiller OxyContin has many abusers switching to a drug that is potentially more dangerous, according to researchers. The formula change makes inhaling or injecting the opioid drug more difficult, so many users are switching to heroin.

Opiates' side effects rooted in patients' genetics

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:10:10 EDT

Genetics play a significant role in determining which patients will suffer the most from the disturbing side effects of opiates, commonly prescribed painkillers for severe to moderate pain, according to a new study, which pinpoints nausea, slowed breathing and potential for addiction as heritable traits.

Mothers' teen cannabinoid exposure may increase response of offspring to opiate drugs

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:59:59 EDT

A study in rats suggests that mothers who use marijuana during their teen years -- then stop -- may put their eventual offspring at risk of increased sensitivity to opiates.

Cannabinoid shown effective as adjuvant analgesic for cancer pain

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:24:24 EDT

An investigational cannabinoid therapy helped provide effective analgesia when used as an adjuvant medication for cancer patients with pain that responded poorly to opioids, according to results of a multicenter trial.

Peak risk about 16 years old for teens misusing prescription drugs

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:55:55 EDT

The peak risk for misusing prescription pain relievers occurs in mid-adolescence, specifically about 16 years old and earlier than many experts thought, according to a new study. The results, based on recent nationwide surveys of nearly 120,000 US adolescents, suggest prevention programs may need to be introduced earlier, in childhood and early adolescence.

Why some pain drugs become less effective over time

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:19:19 EDT

Researchers have identified how neural cells are able to build up resistance to opioid pain drugs within hours.

Discovery paves way for improved painkillers

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:26:26 EDT

Scientists have made a major discovery that could lead to more effective treatment of severe pain using morphine.

Placenta on toast? Could we derive benefits from ingesting afterbirth?

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:28:28 EDT

Almost all non-human mammals eat placenta for good reasons. Are we missing something? Neuroscientists now suggest that ingesting components of afterbirth or placenta -- placentophagia -- may offer benefits to human mothers and perhaps to non-mothers and males.

Structure of ‘salvia’ receptor solved

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:20:20 EDT

A research team has determined the structure of the kappa-opioid receptor—site of action of the widely abused hallucinogen Salvia divinorum – solving longstanding scientific mysteries and offering new insights for treating drug addiction, chronic pain and depression.

Atomic structure of molecule that binds to opioids in the brain discovered

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:42:42 EDT

Scientists have for the first time determined the three-dimensional atomic structure of a human opioid receptor, a molecule on the surface of brain cells that binds to opioids and is centrally involved in pleasure, pain, addiction, depression, psychosis, and related conditions. Dozens of legal and illegal drugs, from heroin to hospital anesthetics, work by targeting these receptors. The detailed atomic structure information paves the way for the design of safer and more effective opioid drugs.

Opioids erase memory traces of pain

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:49:49 EST

Medical researchers have discovered a previously unknown effect of opioids. The study shows that opioids not only temporarily relieve pain, but at the right dose can also erase memory traces of pain in the spinal cord and therefore eliminate a key cause of chronic pain.

Clue as to why alcohol is addicting: Scientists show that drinking releases brain endorphins

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:51:51 EST

Drinking alcohol leads to the release of endorphins in areas of the brain that produce feelings of pleasure and reward, according to a new study.

Opioid abuse linked to mood and anxiety disorders

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:01:01 EST

Researchers find that mood and anxiety disorders are highly associated with non-medical prescription opioid use.

Mother's touch may protect against drug cravings later

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:08:08 EST

An attentive, nurturing mother may be able to help her children better resist the temptations of drug use later in life, according to a study in rats conducted by researchers in the United States and Australia.

Medical marijuana could help patients reduce pain with opiates

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:14:14 EST

A UCSF study suggests patients with chronic pain may experience greater relief if their doctors add cannabinoids – the main ingredient in cannabis or medical marijuana – to an opiates-only treatment. The findings, from a small-scale study, also suggest that a combined therapy could result in reduced opiate dosages.

The leading edge of stress: New genomic, optogenetic and epigenetic findings

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:58:58 EST

New research uses the latest genetic tools to explore how stress alters brain function, leading to anxiety, depression, and other stress-related mood disorders.

Opioids linked to higher risk of pneumonia in older adults

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:42:42 EDT

Opioids -- a class of medicines commonly given for pain -- were associated with a higher risk of pneumonia in a study of 3,061 adults, aged 65 to 94. The study also found that benzodiazepines, which are drugs generally given for insomnia and anxiety, did not affect pneumonia risk.

Deaths from strong prescription painkillers are on the increase, experts say

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:39:39 EDT

Action is needed to tackle the increasing number of deaths in the United States and Canada from prescription painkillers known as opioids, say experts.

Dissimilar interaction of opioid receptors may explain why men and women experience pain differently

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:22:22 EDT

Women and men experience pain, particularly chronic pain, very differently. The ability of some opioids to relieve pain also differs between women and men. Now, research has revealed that the same major types of opioid receptor interact differently, depending on sex.

Possible therapeutic target for depression and addiction identified

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:28:28 EDT

Researchers have identified an important part of the pathway through which stress affects mood and motivation for drugs. The finding may prove useful in humans by providing new potential targets for drugs to treat problems related to stress.

Major initiative established to prevent opioid abuse and overdose

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:20:20 EDT

Fatal overdoses involving prescribed opioids tripled in the United States between 1999 and 2006, climbing to almost 14,000 deaths annually -- more than cocaine and heroin overdoses combined. Now a new report describes a major initiative to make opioid prescribing safer while improving care for patients with chronic pain.

Misuse of pain medication is pathway to high-risk behaviors, study finds

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:20:20 EDT

A new study suggests that abuse of prescription painkillers may be an important gateway to the use of injected drugs such as heroin, among people with a history of using both types of drugs. Common factors identified in this group included a family history of drug misuse and receiving prescriptions for opioid drugs in the past.

Scientists create vaccine against heroin high

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:35:35 EDT

Researchers have developed a highly successful vaccine against a heroin high and have indicated its therapeutic potential.

Dentists' role in painkiller abuse

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:15:15 EDT

Dentists, pharmacists and addiction experts provides new research and recommendations to help dentists combat, rather than contribute to, abuse of addictive painkillers.

Preventing avoidable opioid-related deaths top priority for pain medicine field

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 01:44:44 EDT

Deaths related to prescription opioid therapy are under intense scrutiny, prompting those in pain medicine -- clinicians, patient advocates, and regulators -- to understand the causes behind avoidable mortality in legitimately treated patients. Studies reporting on statistics, causes, and adverse events involving opioid treatment are now available in a special supplement of the journal Pain Medicine.

Natural product shows pain-killing properties

Mon, 23 May 2011 07:53:53 EDT

Scientists have for the first time accomplished a laboratory synthesis of a rare natural product isolated from the bark of a plant widely employed in traditional medicine. This advance may provide the scientific foundation to develop an effective alternative to commonly prescribed narcotic pain treatments.

Narcotic pain relief drug overdose deaths a national epidemic

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:39:39 EDT

Unintentional overdose deaths in teens and adults have reached epidemic proportions in the US. In some 20 states in 2007 the number of unintentional drug poisoning deaths exceeded either motor vehicle crashes or suicides, two of the leading causes of injury death. In a new commentary article, physicians cite data noting that in 2007 unintentional deaths due to prescription opioid pain killers were involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.

Opioids now most prescribed class of medications in America

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:19:19 EDT

Two reports by addiction researchers show a drastic shift in prescribing patterns impacting the magnitude of opioid substance abuse in America. The reports recommend a comprehensive effort to reduce public health risks while improving patient care, including better training for prescribers, pain management treatment assessment, personal responsibility and public education.

Risk of death from opioid overdose related to higher prescription dose

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:19:19 EDT

In an analysis of opioid prescription patterns and deaths, receiving higher prescribed doses is associated with an increased risk of opioid overdose death, but receiving both as-needed and regularly scheduled doses is not associated with overdose risk, according to a new study.

A safer, more effective morphine may soon be possible

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:35:35 EDT

An orphan drug originally used for HIV treatment has been found to short-circuit the process that results in additional sensitivity and pain from opioid use.