A new syndrome has been identified in children whose mothers used fentanyl illicitly during pregnancy. The syndrome, reported in 10 children so far, is characterized by short stature, small heads, distinct facial features, and other birth defects. While all 10 children were exposed to multiple drugs during pregnancy, the common factor among them was fentanyl. The possibility of a contaminant in the fentanyl causing the syndrome cannot be ruled out. The long-term prognosis for children with the syndrome is unknown, and further research is needed to understand the mechanism behind the specific symptoms.
A study conducted in Rhode Island suggests that individuals with opioid use disorder may require higher doses of the medication buprenorphine to improve treatment retention, particularly in the face of the fentanyl crisis. The study found that patients prescribed a daily dose of 24 milligrams (mg) of buprenorphine were 20% more likely to remain in treatment compared to those prescribed the recommended 16 mg dose. The findings highlight the need to re-evaluate dosing guidelines for buprenorphine in order to optimize treatment and help individuals with opioid use disorder achieve recovery.
A study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that higher doses of buprenorphine may improve retention in treatment for opioid use disorder. The study, conducted in Rhode Island from 2016 to 2020, found that individuals prescribed a lower dose of buprenorphine were 20% more likely to discontinue treatment compared to those on a higher dose. The findings highlight the need to reevaluate clinical guidelines for opioid addiction treatment, particularly in the context of the fentanyl crisis. The study supports the growing evidence that higher doses of buprenorphine are safe and effective in reducing opioid use and improving treatment outcomes.
A lack of empathy and understanding of current neuroscience contributes to misunderstandings about opioid use disorder (OUD). The brain's reward and pain areas are interconnected, and individual variations in genetics, previous experiences, and dopamine processing influence the effects of opioids. Liver metabolism genes also play a role in how opioids are processed in the body. Euphoria, distinct from pain relief, is a significant factor in the development of OUD. Family history of addiction may relate to genetic factors rather than environmental risk. Successful OUD treatment often requires medication to manipulate reward pathways. Understanding the complexities of OUD can help combat stigma and promote effective treatment.
Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) by targeting metabotropic glutamate 2 receptors in the brain. The drug ADX106772, produced by Addex Therapeutics, reduces oxycodone intake and drug-seeking behavior in an animal model without affecting other reward responses. OUD affects over two million people in the U.S., with around 70,000 dying from opioid overdoses annually. This research offers hope for developing new therapies to combat opioid addiction and reduce its devastating impact.
The FDA has approved Brixadi, a new buprenorphine extended-release injection for subcutaneous use, to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder. Brixadi is available in weekly and monthly formulations and offers a new option for people in recovery who may benefit from a weekly injection to maintain treatment adherence. The most common adverse reactions include injection-site pain, headache, constipation, nausea, injection-site erythema, itchy skin at the injection site, insomnia, and urinary tract infections. The FDA continues to implement a comprehensive approach to increase options to treat OUD.
Concurrent use of gabapentin and opioids increases the risk of opioid-use disorder (OUD) and opioid-related overdose, according to a study by Epic Research. The study found that gabapentin with opioids increased the risk of OUD or opioid-related overdose by 47% compared to opioid prescription alone. The study also found that gabapentin prescribed before and after opioid prescription increased the risk of OUD/opioid-related overdose more than prescriptions only before and only after treatment with an opioid. Health care providers should educate patients that it is possible to effectively manage pain without opioids.
A multi-site clinical trial supported by the National Institutes of Health showed that less than 1% of people with opioid use disorder whose drug use includes fentanyl experienced withdrawal when starting buprenorphine in the emergency department. The findings are strong evidence that buprenorphine can be safely started in the emergency department without triggering withdrawal, even for people who use stronger opioids. The study addressed the question of how the prevalence of fentanyl in the drug supply affects the process of addiction treatment for people with opioid use disorder.
A new study has found that the increased use of telehealth services and medications for opioid use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a lowered likelihood of fatal drug overdose among Medicare beneficiaries. The study highlights the need to expand access to telehealth services and medication treatment for opioid use disorder to address the constantly evolving overdose crisis. The authors note that only 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries in the pandemic cohort received OUD-related telehealth services, underscoring the need for continued expansion of these potentially life-saving interventions across clinical settings.
