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opioids

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·August 29, 2019·3 min read

The ‘inflammation’ of opioid use: Research correlates inflammation in the brain and gut to negative emotional state during opioid withdrawal

Inflammation caused by opioid use to both the brain and gut may exacerbate symptoms of negative emotions associated with withdrawal. Targeting the inflammation could help alleviate the negative experiences of opioid withdrawal and prevent dependence.

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 7, 2019·3 min read

New data indicates rise in opioid use for migraine treatment

Almost 1 in 5 people now use opioids to treat migraines. Researchers say a growing number of patients are using opioids to replace medications approved and specially designed to treat migraines, despite knowing the risks of opioid use.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 31, 2019·4 min read

Ketamine isn’t an opioid and treats depression in a unique way

A new study clarifies the mechanism behind how ketamine works as an antidepressant. Researchers say there is evidence to suggest ketamine binds to NMDA receptors, instead of opioid receptors. Reducing the belief that ketamine is an opioid may make patients with depression more open to using the treatment.

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·June 25, 2019·4 min read

Common antidepressants interact with opioid med to lessen pain relief

SSRI antidepressants, such as Prozac and Paxil, interact with opioid medications to make them less effective at providing relief from chronic pain. Tramadol relies on activation of the CYP2D6 enzyme to control pain, but SSRIs inhibit this enzyme. Researchers suggest prescribing different classes of antidepressants which do not suppress the enzyme may benefit those in need of opioid medications. Alternatively, non-opioid pain killers should be considered for those who can not switch from SSRIs.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 5, 2019·2 min read

Alzheimer’s therapy may help overcome opioid addiction

Galantamine, a medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease, shows promise in helping break opioid addiction.

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Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·June 4, 2019·5 min read

Opioids are not sleep aids, and can actually worsen sleep research finds

Opioids are often prescribed to help those with chronic pain manage sleep problems associated with their condition. New research reports opioids effect on sleep quality is limited and of poor quality. Additionally, opioids can increase the risk of sleep apnea.

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·January 12, 2019·6 min read

Does Opioid Use in Pets Create Higher Risk for Abuse in Humans?

Researchers report a 41% increase in the prescription of opioids for small animals over the past 10 years. The study reports the increase could potentially provide human access to the drugs, fueling the opioid epidemic.

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·June 22, 2018·6 min read

Suicide Nation: What’s Behind the Need to Numb and Seek Final Escape?

Researchers look at why suicide rates may be on the rise in the US, finding suicidality may be more than simply a mental health issue.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 30, 2018·5 min read

Opioid Use Prevalent Among Electronic Dance Music Partygoers

Researchers report 10 percent of people who have attended EDM events have misused opioids in the past 12 months. The number, researchers say, exceeds national averages. Oxycontin was reported to be the most widely misused drug within the scene.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 18, 2017·5 min read

New Vaccine Technology Shows Promise as a Tool to Combat the Opioid Crisis

A new vaccine blocks the effects of heroin by preventing the drug from crossing the blood-brain barrier. Researchers believe the vaccine could be helpful in curbing the opioid epidemic.

Featured Genetics Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles Pain

·November 24, 2017·4 min read

New Avenue For Drug Treatment in Neuropathic Pain

Blocking dorsal root ganglion pain neurons from releasing microRNA-21 has an anti-inflammatory effect at the cellular level, preventing neuropathic pain, researchers report.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·November 16, 2017·4 min read

New Painkillers Reduce Overdose Risk

Researchers have developed a new pain killer that is on par with conventional opioids, but does not affect respiration, which is the main cause of opioid overdose.