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Davis MP, McPherson ML, Reddy A, Case AA. Conversion ratios: Why is it so challenging to construct opioid conversion tables? J Opioid Manag 2024; 20:169-179. [PMID: 38700396 DOI: 10.5055/jom.0853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Standardizing opioid management is challenging due to the absence of a ceiling dose, the unknown ideal therapeutic plasma level, and the lack of an clear relationship between dose and therapeutic response. Opioid rotation or conversion, which is switching from one opioid, route of administration, or both, to another, to improve therapeutic response and reduce toxicities, occurs in 20-40 percent of patients treated with opioids. Opioid conversion is often needed when there are adverse effects, toxicities, or inability to tolerate a certain opioid formulation. A majority of patients benefit from opioid conversion, leading to improved analgesia and less adverse effects. There are different published ways of converting opioids in the literature. This review of 20 years of literature is centered on opioid conversions and aims to discuss the complexity of converting opioids. We discuss study designs, outcomes and measures, pain phenotypes, patient characteristics, comparisons of equivalent doses between opioids, reconciling conversion ratios between opioids, routes, directional differences, half-lives and metabolites, interindividual variability, and comparison to package insert information. Palliative care specialists have not yet come to a consensus on the ideal opioid equianalgesic table; however, we discuss a recently updated table, based on retrospective evidence, that may serve as a gold standard for practical use in the palliative care population. More robust, well-designed studies are needed to validate and guide future opioid conversion data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellar P Davis
- Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7903-3993
| | - Mary Lynn McPherson
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6098-2112
| | - Akhila Reddy
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, Houston, Texas. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7628-8675
| | - Amy A Case
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
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Barrett JE, Shekarabi A, Inan S. Oxycodone: A Current Perspective on Its Pharmacology, Abuse, and Pharmacotherapeutic Developments. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1062-1118. [PMID: 37321860 PMCID: PMC10595024 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxycodone, a semisynthetic derivative of naturally occurring thebaine, an opioid alkaloid, has been available for more than 100 years. Although thebaine cannot be used therapeutically due to the occurrence of convulsions at higher doses, it has been converted to a number of other widely used compounds that include naloxone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, and oxycodone. Despite the early identification of oxycodone, it was not until the 1990s that clinical studies began to explore its analgesic efficacy. These studies were followed by the pursuit of several preclinical studies to examine the analgesic effects and abuse liability of oxycodone in laboratory animals and the subjective effects in human volunteers. For a number of years oxycodone was at the forefront of the opioid crisis, playing a significant role in contributing to opioid misuse and abuse, with suggestions that it led to transitioning to other opioids. Several concerns were expressed as early as the 1940s that oxycodone had significant abuse potential similar to heroin and morphine. Both animal and human abuse liability studies have confirmed, and in some cases amplified, these early warnings. Despite sharing a similar structure with morphine and pharmacological actions also mediated by the μ-opioid receptor, there are several differences in the pharmacology and neurobiology of oxycodone. The data that have emerged from the many efforts to analyze the pharmacological and molecular mechanism of oxycodone have generated considerable insight into its many actions, reviewed here, which, in turn, have provided new information on opioid receptor pharmacology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Oxycodone, a μ-opioid receptor agonist, was synthesized in 1916 and introduced into clinical use in Germany in 1917. It has been studied extensively as a therapeutic analgesic for acute and chronic neuropathic pain as an alternative to morphine. Oxycodone emerged as a drug with widespread abuse. This article brings together an integrated, detailed review of the pharmacology of oxycodone, preclinical and clinical studies of pain and abuse, and recent advances to identify potential opioid analgesics without abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Barrett
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Aryan Shekarabi
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Saadet Inan
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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3
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Caplan M, Friedman BW, Siebert J, Takematsu M, Adewunmi V, Gupta C, White DJ, Irizarry E. Use of clinical phenotypes to characterize emergency department patients administered intravenous opioids for acute pain. Clin Exp Emerg Med 2023; 10:327-332. [PMID: 37092185 PMCID: PMC10579725 DOI: 10.15441/ceem.23.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individual experience with opioids is highly variable. Some patients with acute pain do not experience pain relief with opioids, and many report no euphoria or dysphoric reactions. In this study, we describe the clinical phenotypes of patients who receive intravenous opioids. METHODS This was an emergency department-based study in which we enrolled patients who received an intravenous opioid. We collected 0 to 10 pain scores prior to opioid administration and 15 minutes after. We also used 0 to 10 instruments to determine how high and how much euphoria the patient felt after receipt of the opioid. Using a cutoff point of ≥50% improvement in pain and the median score on the high and euphoria scales, we assigned each participant to one of the following clinical phenotypes: pain relief with feeling high or euphoria, pain relief without feeling high or euphoria, inadequate relief with feeling high or euphoria, and inadequate relief without feeling high or euphoria. RESULTS A total of 713 patients were enrolled, 409 (57%) of whom reported not feeling high, and 465 (65%) reported no feeling of euphoria. Median percent improvement in pain was 37.5% (interquartile range, 12.5%-60.0%). One hundred seventy-eight participants (25%) were classified as experiencing pain relief with euphoria or feeling high, 190 (27%) experienced inadequate relief with euphoria or feeling high, 101 (14%) experienced pain relief without euphoria or feeling high, and 244 (34%) reported inadequate relief without euphoria or feeling high. CONCLUSION Among patients who receive intravenous opioids in the emergency department, the experiences of pain relief and euphoria are highly variable. For many, pain relief is independent of feeling high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mordechai Caplan
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin W. Friedman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jason Siebert
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mai Takematsu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Victoria Adewunmi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Chiraag Gupta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Deborah J. White
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Eddie Irizarry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Shram MJ, Henningfield JE, Apseloff G, Gorodetzky CW, De Martin S, Vocci FL, Sapienza FL, Kosten TR, Huston J, Buchhalter A, Ashworth J, Lanier R, Folli F, Mattarei A, Guidetti C, Comai S, O'Gorman C, Traversa S, Inturrisi CE, Manfredi PL, Pappagallo M. The novel uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist esmethadone (REL-1017) has no meaningful abuse potential in recreational drug users. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:192. [PMID: 37286536 PMCID: PMC10247777 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02473-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Esmethadone (REL-1017) is the opioid-inactive dextro-isomer of methadone and a low-affinity, low-potency uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist. In a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, esmethadone showed rapid, robust, and sustained antidepressant effects. Two studies were conducted to evaluate the abuse potential of esmethadone. Each study utilized a randomized, double-blind, active-, and placebo-controlled crossover design to assess esmethadone compared with oxycodone (Oxycodone Study) or ketamine (Ketamine Study) in healthy recreational drug users. Esmethadone 25 mg (proposed therapeutic daily dose), 75 mg (loading dose), and 150 mg (Maximum Tolerated Dose) were evaluated in each study. Positive controls were oral oxycodone 40 mg and intravenous ketamine 0.5 mg/kg infused over 40 min. The Ketamine study included oral dextromethorphan 300 mg as an exploratory comparator. The primary endpoint was maximum effect (Emax) for Drug Liking, assessed using a bipolar 100-point visual analog scale (VAS). A total of 47 and 51 participants completed the Oxycodone Study and the Ketamine Study, respectively (Completer Population). In both studies, esmethadone doses ranging from therapeutic (25 mg) to 6 times therapeutic (150 mg) had a meaningful and statistically significantly (p < 0.001) lower Drug Liking VAS Emax compared with the positive control. Results were consistent for all secondary endpoints in both studies. In both studies, all doses of esmethadone were statistically equivalent to placebo on Drug Liking VAS Emax (p < 0.05). In the Ketamine Study, Drug Liking VAS Emax scores for esmethadone at all tested doses were significantly lower vs. dextromethorphan (p < 0.05) (exploratory endpoint). These studies indicate no meaningful abuse potential for esmethadone at all tested doses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Charles W Gorodetzky
- Relmada Therapeutics, Coral Gables, FL, USA
- Consultant in Pharmaceutical Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Frank L Vocci
- Relmada Therapeutics, Coral Gables, FL, USA
- Friends Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Frank L Sapienza
- Relmada Therapeutics, Coral Gables, FL, USA
- The Drug and Chemical Advisory Group LLC, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Thomas R Kosten
- Relmada Therapeutics, Coral Gables, FL, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Franco Folli
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Mattarei
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Clotilde Guidetti
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Pediatric Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Comai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Recent trends in the prescription of opioids in the emergency department in patients with urolithiasis. Int Urol Nephrol 2023; 55:1109-1116. [PMID: 36913168 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03545-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pain management is central in the treatment of urolithiasis. We aimed to estimate the impact of the 2017 Department of Health and Human Services declaration of an opioid crisis on prescribing patterns of opioids and NSAIDs in emergency department visits for urolithiasis. METHODS The National Health Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) was queried for emergency department visits of adults with a diagnosis of urolithiasis. The association between urolithiasis and narcotic and NSAIDs prescription patterns was evaluated and compared at pre-declaration (2014-2016) to post-declaration (2017-2018) periods. RESULTS Opioids were prescribed in about 211 million (41.1%) out of 513 million emergency department visits, over a 5-year period. Diagnosis of urolithiasis accounted for 1.9% of the visits (6.0 million). The use of opioids was higher in urolithiasis (82.7%) compared to non-urolithiasis diagnosis (40.3%), as well as the use of multiple opioids per visit (p < 0.01 for all). There was an overall decrease in opioid prescriptions in the post-declaration period, - 4.3% for urolithiasis (p = 0.254) and - 5.6% for non-urolithiasis visits (p < 0.05). A decrease in the use of hydromorphone (- 47.5%. p < 0.001), an increase in the use of morphine (+ 59.7% p = 0.006), and an increase of 'other' opioids (+ 98.8%, p < 0.041), were observed. Opioids combined with NSAIDs comprised 72.6% of the opioid prescriptions and 62.3% of all analgesic prescriptions in visits with urolithiasis diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The use of opioids when managing urolithiasis decreased 4.3% after the crisis declaration; however, statistically are not different from pre-declaration numbers. Most often, opioids were prescribed with NSAIDs in urolithiasis patients.
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Acharya M, Hayes CJ, Li C, Painter JT, Dayer L, Martin BC. Comparative Study of Opioid Initiation With Tramadol, Short-acting Hydrocodone, or Short-acting Oxycodone on Opioid-related Adverse Outcomes Among Chronic Noncancer Pain Patients. Clin J Pain 2023; 39:107-118. [PMID: 36728675 PMCID: PMC10210068 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the safety profiles of low and high-dose tramadol, short-acting hydrocodone, and short-acting oxycodone therapies among chronic noncancer pain individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study of individuals with back/neck pain/osteoarthritis with an initial opioid prescription for tramadol, hydrocodone, or oxycodone was conducted using IQVIA PharMetrics Plus claims for Academics database (2006 to 2020). Two cohorts were created for separately studying opioid-related adverse events (overdoses, accidents, self-inflicted injuries, and violence-related injuries) and substance use disorders (opioid and nonopioid). Patients were followed from the index date until an outcome event, end of enrollment, or data end. Time-varying exposure groups were constructed and Cox regression models were estimated. RESULTS A total of 1,062,167 (tramadol [16.5%], hydrocodone [61.1%], and oxycodone [22.4%]) and 986,809 (tramadol [16.5%], hydrocodone [61.3%], and oxycodone [22.2%]) individuals were in the adverse event and substance use disorder cohorts. All high-dose groups had elevated risk of nearly all outcomes, compared with low-dose hydrocodone. Compared with low-dose hydrocodone, low-dose oxycodone was associated with a higher risk of opioid overdose (hazard ratio: 1.79 [1.37 to 2.33]). No difference in risk was observed between low-dose tramadol and low-dose hydrocodone (hazard ratio: 0.85 [0.64 to 1.13]). Low-dose oxycodone had higher risks of an opioid use disorder, and low-dose tramadol had a lower risk of accidents, self-inflicted injuries, and opioid use disorder compared with low-dose hydrocodone. DISCUSSION Low-dose oxycodone had a higher risk of opioid-related adverse outcomes compared with low-dose tramadol and hydrocodone. This should be interpreted in conjunction with the benefits of pain control and functioning associated with oxycodone use in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corey J Hayes
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine
- Center for Mental Health Care and Outcomes Research, Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care Systems, North Little Rock, AR
| | - Chenghui Li
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy
| | | | - Lindsey Dayer
- College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
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Mas-Herrero E, Ferreri L, Cardona G, Zatorre RJ, Pla-Juncà F, Antonijoan RM, Riba J, Valle M, Rodriguez-Fornells A. The role of opioid transmission in music-induced pleasure. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1520:105-114. [PMID: 36514207 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies conducted in rodents indicate a crucial role of the opioid circuit in mediating objective hedonic reactions to primary rewards. However, it remains unclear whether opioid transmission is also essential to experience pleasure with more abstract rewards, such as music. We addressed this question using a double-blind within-subject pharmacological design in which opioid levels were up- and downregulated by administering an opioid agonist (oxycodone) and antagonist (naltrexone), respectively, before healthy participants (n = 21) listened to music. Participants also performed a monetary incentive delay (MID) task to control for the effectiveness of the treatment and the specificity of the effects. Our results revealed that the pharmacological intervention did not modulate subjective reports of pleasure, nor the occurrence of chills. On the contrary, psychophysiological (objective) measures of emotional arousal, such as skin conductance responses (SCRs), were bidirectionally modulated in both the music and MID tasks. This modulation specifically occurred during reward consumption, with greater pleasure-related SCR following oxycodone than naltrexone. These findings indicate that opioid transmission does not modulate subjective evaluations but rather affects objective reward-related psychophysiological responses. These findings raise new caveats about the role of the opioidergic system in the modulation of pleasure for more abstract or cognitive forms of rewarding experiences, such as music.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Mas-Herrero
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute [IDIBELL], L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Ferreri
- Department of Brain & Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Laboratoire d'Etude des Mécanismes Cognitifs, Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon, France
| | - Gemma Cardona
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute [IDIBELL], L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert J Zatorre
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francesc Pla-Juncà
- Departament de Farmacologia i Terapèutica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa María Antonijoan
- Clinical Pharmacology Service, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Drug Research Center, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Riba
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Valle
- Departament de Farmacologia i Terapèutica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Simulation, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Rodriguez-Fornells
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute [IDIBELL], L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
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Castillo F, Jones JD, Luba RR, Mogali S, Foltin RW, Evans SM, Comer SD. Gabapentin increases the abuse liability of alcohol alone and in combination with oxycodone in participants with co-occurring opioid and alcohol use disorder. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 221:173482. [PMID: 36244527 PMCID: PMC10117180 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who have co-occurring Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) carry a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including drug overdose. Early clinical and preclinical studies suggested that gabapentin may be effective in treating both disorders. The present study was designed to assess the effects of gabapentin on the subjective and physiological effects of oxycodone (OXY) and alcohol (ALC), alone and in combination. METHODS During an 8-week, inpatient, within-subject, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, non-treatment seeking participants (N = 13; 12 M/1F; 44.1 ± 3 years of age) with OUD and AUD were maintained on oral morphine (120 mg daily). Under gabapentin (1800 mg/day) and placebo (0 mg/day) maintenance, participants completed nine separate test sessions (three sessions per week) during which they received an oral solution containing 0, 15, or 30 mg/70 kg OXY in combination with 0, 0.5, or 0.75 g/kg ALC. During test sessions, subjective effects and physiological responses were assessed repeatedly on 100-mm visual analog scales (VAS). The primary outcome variable was the VAS rating of drug liking after receiving the drug challenge. RESULTS Alcohol alone (but not oxycodone alone) produced dose-related increases in several positive subjective responses, including drug liking. Gabapentin significantly increased drug liking when given in combination with ALC and OXY + ALC (p < 0.05). Gabapentin did not clinically compromise respiration or other vital functions. CONCLUSIONS Gabapentin may increase the abuse liability of ALC and OXY + ALC in those with co-occurring OUD and AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Castillo
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, United States of America.
| | - J D Jones
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - R R Luba
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - S Mogali
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - R W Foltin
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - S M Evans
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - S D Comer
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 66, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
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9
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Weiner SG, Hendricks MA, El Ibrahimi S, Ritter GA, Hallvik SE, Hildebran C, Weiss RD, Boyer EW, Flores DP, Nelson LS, Kreiner PW, Fischer MA. Opioid-related overdose and chronic use following an initial prescription of hydrocodone versus oxycodone. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266561. [PMID: 35381052 PMCID: PMC8982846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are prescribed commonly to treat pain. However, differences in risk of opioid-related adverse outcomes after an initial prescription are unknown.
This study aims to determine the risk of opioid-related adverse events, defined as either chronic use or opioid overdose, following a first prescription of hydrocodone or oxycodone to opioid naïve patients.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of multiple linked public health datasets in the state of Oregon. Adult patients ages 18 and older who a) received an initial prescription for oxycodone or hydrocodone between 2015–2017 and b) had no opioid prescriptions or opioid-related hospitalizations or emergency department visits in the year preceding the prescription were followed through the end of 2018. First-year chronic opioid use was defined as ≥6 opioid prescriptions (including index) and average ≤30 days uncovered between prescriptions. Fatal or non-fatal opioid overdose was indicated from insurance claims, hospital discharge data or vital records.
Results
After index prescription, 2.8% (n = 14,458) of individuals developed chronic use and 0.3% (n = 1,480) experienced overdose. After adjustment for patient and index prescription characteristics, patients receiving oxycodone had lower odds of developing chronic use relative to patients receiving hydrocodone (adjusted odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91–1.00) but a higher risk of overdose (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.65, 95% CI 1.45–1.87). Oxycodone monotherapy appears to greatly increase the hazard of opioid overdose (aHR 2.18, 95% CI 1.86–2.57) compared with hydrocodone with acetaminophen. Oxycodone combined with acetaminophen also shows a significant increase (aHR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–1.50), but not to the same extent.
Conclusions
Among previously opioid-naïve patients, the risk of developing chronic use was slightly higher with hydrocodone, whereas the risk of overdose was higher after oxycodone, in combination with acetaminophen or monotherapy. With a goal of reducing overdose-related deaths, hydrocodone may be the favorable agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G. Weiner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michelle A. Hendricks
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Sanae El Ibrahimi
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Grant A. Ritter
- Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sara E. Hallvik
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Christi Hildebran
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Roger D. Weiss
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Edward W. Boyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Diana P. Flores
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Comagine Health, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Lewis S. Nelson
- Department of Emergency Medicine Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Peter W. Kreiner
- Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Fischer
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Hamid FA, Marker CL, Raleigh MD, Khaimraj A, Winston S, Pentel PR, Pravetoni M. Pre-clinical safety and toxicology profile of a candidate vaccine to treat oxycodone use disorder. Vaccine 2022; 40:3244-3252. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sapkota A, Takematsu M, Adewunmi V, Gupta C, Williams AR, Friedman BW. Oxycodone induced euphoria in ED patients with acute musculoskeletal pain. A secondary analysis of data from a randomized trial. Am J Emerg Med 2022; 53:240-244. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2022.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Iyer V, Woodward TJ, Pacheco R, Hohmann AG. A limited access oral oxycodone paradigm produces physical dependence and mesocorticolimbic region-dependent increases in DeltaFosB expression without preference. Neuropharmacology 2021; 205:108925. [PMID: 34921830 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The abuse of oral formulations of prescription opioids has precipitated the current opioid epidemic. We developed an oral oxycodone consumption model consisting of a limited access (4 h) two-bottle choice drinking in the dark (TBC-DID) paradigm and quantified dependence with naloxone challenge using mice of both sexes. We also assessed neurobiological correlates of withdrawal and dependence elicited via oral oxycodone consumption using immunohistochemistry for DeltaFosB (ΔFosB), a transcription factor described as a molecular marker for drug addiction. Neither sex developed a preference for the oxycodone bottle, irrespective of oxycodone concentration, bottle position or prior water restriction. Mice that volitionally consumed oxycodone exhibited hyperlocomotion in an open field test and supraspinal but not spinally-mediated antinociception. Both sexes also developed robust, dose-dependent levels of opioid withdrawal that was precipitated by the opioid antagonist naloxone. Oral oxycodone consumption followed by naloxone challenge led to mesocorticolimbic region-dependent increases in the number of ΔFosB expressing cells. Naloxone-precipitated withdrawal jumps, but not the oxycodone bottle % preference, was positively correlated with the number of ΔFosB expressing cells specifically in the nucleus accumbens shell. Thus, limited access oral consumption of oxycodone produced physical dependence and increased ΔFosB expression despite the absence of opioid preference. Our TBC-DID paradigm allows for the study of oral opioid consumption in a simple, high-throughput manner and elucidates the underlying neurobiological substrates that accompany opioid-induced physical dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakh Iyer
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Taylor J Woodward
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Romario Pacheco
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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Relative potency of intravenous oxymorphone compared to other µ opioid agonists in humans - pilot study outcomes. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2503-2514. [PMID: 34106317 PMCID: PMC8514134 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05872-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Intravenous (IV) misuse of the µ opioid analgesic oxymorphone has caused significant public health harms; however, no controlled data on its IV abuse potential are available. The primary aims of this pilot study were to directly compare IV oxymorphone to IV oxycodone, morphine, and hydromorphone on a subjective measure of drug liking and to assess relative potency. METHODS Participants (n = 6) with opioid use disorder, physical dependence, and current IV use completed this two-site, within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled, inpatient pilot study. During each session, one IV dose (mg/70 kg) was administered: oxymorphone (1.8, 3.2, 5.6, 10, 18, 32), hydromorphone (1.8, 3.2, 5.6, 10, 18), oxycodone (18, 32, 56), morphine (18, 32), and placebo. Data were collected before and for 6 h after dosing. Primary outcomes included safety/physiological effects, subjective reports of drug liking, and relative potency estimates. RESULTS All active test drugs produced prototypical, dose-related µ opioid agonist effects (e.g., miosis). Oxymorphone was more potent than the comparator opioids on several measures, including drug liking and respiratory depression (p < 0.05). Across abuse-related subjective outcomes, oxymorphone was 2.3-2.8-fold more potent than hydromorphone and 12.5-14-fold more potent than oxycodone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Despite the relatively small sample size, this pilot study detected robust oxymorphone effects. Oxymorphone was far more potent than the comparator opioids, particularly on abuse potential outcomes. Overall, these findings may help explain surveillance reports that demonstrate, after adjusting for prescription availability, oxymorphone is injected at the highest frequency, relative to other prescription opioids.
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Fischer B, O-Keefe-Markman C, Daldegan-Bueno D, Walters C. Why comparative epidemiological indicators suggest that New Zealand is unlikely to experience a severe opioid epidemic. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 93:103166. [PMID: 33607479 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
North America (i.e., the United States and Canada) and select other wealthy Commonwealth countries (e.g., Australia, the UK) have been experiencing marked 'opioid epidemics', consisting of elevated opioid use and related (e.g., mortality and morbidity) harms involving both prescription and, increasingly, illicit opioid substances. Multiple commentators have alerted to the possibility of New Zealand becoming home to a similar opioid crisis. In this article, we briefly examine and compare key system-level epidemiological indicators for New Zealand in regards to this situation and prospect. These data suggest that, comparatively, population-level (medical) opioid use, exposure and supply in New Zealand have been low and moderate, mostly involving restrained and lower-risk (e.g., short-duration, few long-acting/high-potency formulations, restricted settings) medical opioid availability, with limited over-time increases and absent the major oscillations in opioid dispensing observed elsewhere. Similarly, illicit opioids have been rather low in availability and use, and do not form primary substances in illicit drug scenes or markets. Correspondingly, opioid-related mortality in New Zealand has been somewhat increasing over-time albeit at comparably low levels, and principally involves methadone, morphine and codeine, i.e. the main opioids medically prescribed. Synthesizing the evidence, New Zealand has not featured the distinct characteristics or system-level drivers that have facilitated the opioid epidemics as have unfolded in other jurisdictions. It appears that New Zealand may have all along engaged in the more measured opioid use practices that other jurisdictions have attempted to revert to post-hoc (but largely when too late) while experiencing extensive adverse consequences related to opioids. On this basis, New Zealand provides for a worthwhile comparative case study towards more moderate opioid utilization and control entailing relatively limited collateral harms (e.g., opioid mortality) on public health compared to elsewhere. Details and characteristics of New Zealand's approach to and experience with opioids should be further examined for future and other jurisdictions' benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Fischer
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health & Addiction, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Caroline O-Keefe-Markman
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health & Addiction, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Dimitri Daldegan-Bueno
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Carina Walters
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Babalonis S, Coe MA, Nuzzo PA, Lofwall MR, Ali N, Sloan PA, Fanucchi LC, Walsh SL. Acute administration of oxycodone, alcohol, and their combination on simulated driving-preliminary outcomes in healthy adults. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:539-549. [PMID: 33169203 PMCID: PMC7855562 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05702-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Epidemiological data indicate that drivers testing positive for an opioid drug are twice as likely to cause a fatal car crash; however, there are limited controlled data available. OBJECTIVES The primary aim of this study was to assess the effects of a therapeutic dose range of oxycodone alone and in combination with alcohol on simulated driving performance. METHODS Healthy participants (n = 10) completed this within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized outpatient study. Six 7-h sessions were completed during which oxycodone (0, 5, 10 mg, p.o.) was administered 30 min before alcohol (0, 0.8 g/kg (15% less for women), p.o.) for a total of 6 test conditions. Driving assessments and participant-, observer-rated, psychomotor and physiological measures were collected in regular intervals before and after drug administration. RESULTS Oxycodone alone (5, 10 mg) did not produce any changes in driving outcomes or psychomotor task performance, relative to placebo (p > 0.05); however, 10 mg oxycodone produced increases in an array of subjective ratings, including sedation and impairment (p < 0.05). Alcohol alone produced driving impairment (e.g., decreased lateral control) (p < 0.05); however, oxycodone did not potentiate alcohol-related driving or subjective effects. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data suggest that acute doses of oxycodone (5, 10 mg) do not significantly impair acuity on laboratory-based simulated driving models; however, 10 mg oxycodone produced increases in self-reported outcomes that are not compatible with safe driving behavior (e.g., sedation, impairment). Additional controlled research is needed to determine how opioid misuse (higher doses; parenteral routes of administration) impacts driving risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna Babalonis
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, 40508, KY, USA.
| | - Marion A Coe
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, 40508, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Paul A Nuzzo
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, 40508, KY, USA
| | - Michelle R Lofwall
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, 40508, KY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Nur Ali
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, 40508, KY, USA
| | - Paul A Sloan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Laura C Fanucchi
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, 40508, KY, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, 40508, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Evaluation of tradipitant, a selective NK1 antagonist, on response to oxycodone in humans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1857-1866. [PMID: 33988725 PMCID: PMC8120018 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05814-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Preclinical studies demonstrate that the NK1 receptor is involved in opioid reinforcement and withdrawal expression. Few studies have examined the impact of treatment with NK1 antagonists on opioid response in humans. OBJECTIVE To explore the potential for a selective NK1 antagonist, tradipitant, to attenuate the abuse liability and reinforcing and analgesic effects of oxycodone in opioid-experienced individuals. METHODS Participants with recreational opioid use, but without opioid physical dependence, were enrolled as inpatients for ~6 weeks (n = 8). A within-subject, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design was employed. The pharmacodynamic response to intranasal oxycodone across a range of doses (0 to 30 mg) was examined during two counterbalanced maintenance periods (tradipitant 0 or 85 mg/bid). Oxycodone self-administration was assessed with a modified progressive ratio procedure, and analgesia was assessed with the cold pressor test. RESULTS Oxycodone produced significant and dose-related increases on a broad array of prototypic opioid measures, including subjective ratings related to abuse liability (e.g., liking) and physiological outcomes (i.e., expired CO2). Oxycodone self-administration increased with increasing dose, as did analgesia. Tradipitant largely did not alter any of these effects of oxycodone, with the exception of producing a reduction in ratings of desire for opioids. CONCLUSIONS Given that the vast majority of oxycodone effects were unchanged by tradipitant, these data do not provide support for the utility of NK1 antagonists as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder.
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Fassassi C, Dove D, Davis A, Butt M, Masoudi A, Drapkin J, Gohel A, Silver M, Likourezos A, Motov S. Analgesic efficacy of morphine sulfate immediate release vs. oxycodone/acetaminophen for acute pain in the emergency department. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 46:579-584. [PMID: 33341323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous research demonstrated that administration of Morphine Sulfate Immediate Release (MSIR) results in similar analgesic efficacy to Oxycodone but with significantly lesser degrees of euphoria and reward. The purpose of this study sit to investigate if MSIR combined with Acetaminophen can serve as an opioid analgesic alternative to Oxycodone combined with acetaminophen (Percocet) for acute pain in the Emergency Department (ED). METHODS A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial of ED patients aged 18 to 64 years presenting with moderate to severe acute pain as defined by an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) with an initial score of ≥5 (0 = no pain and 10 = very severe pain). Patients were randomized to receive either 15 mg MSIR combined with 650 mg of Acetaminophen or 10 mg Oxycodone combined with 650 mg Acetaminophen. Patients were assessed at baseline, 30, 45 and 60 min. The primary outcome was reduction in pain at 60 min. Secondary outcomes include drug likeability and adverse events. RESULTS 80 patients were enrolled in the study (40 per group). Demographic characteristics were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). Mean NRS pain scores at baseline were 8.44 for the MSIR group and 8.53 for the Percocet group (P = 0.788). Mean pain scores decreased over time but remained similar between the groups: 30 min (6.03 vs. 6.43; P = 0.453), 45 min (5.31 vs. 5.48; P = 0.779), and 60 min (4.22 vs. 4.87; P = 0.346). Reduction in mean NRS pain scores were statistically significant from baseline to 30, 45 and 60 min within each group (P < 0.0001 at each time point for both groups). The largest NRS mean difference was from baseline to 60 min: 4.2 (95% CI: 3.43 to 5.01) for MSIR group and 3.61 (95% CI: 2.79 to 4.43) for Percocet group. No clinically significant changes or any serious adverse events were observed in either group. CONCLUSION MSIR provides similar analgesic efficacy as Percocet for short-term pain relief in the ED, similar rates of nausea/vomiting, and lower rates of likeability of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catsim Fassassi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Dove
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Ashley Davis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Mahlaqa Butt
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Aidin Masoudi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jefferson Drapkin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Ankit Gohel
- Department of Pharmacy, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Michael Silver
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Antonios Likourezos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Sergey Motov
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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18
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Connors NJ, Mazer-Amirshahi M, Motov S, Kim HK. Relative addictive potential of opioid analgesic agents. Pain Manag 2020; 11:201-215. [PMID: 33300384 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2020-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid overdoses and deaths continue to be a problem in the USA with a significant portion related to prescribed opioid analgesic agents. The role of pharmacogentic factors in opioid addiction is an active area of research. While all opioid analgesic agents have some addictive potential, it is clear that there are some with greater addictive potential. Oxycodone is the most widely abused opioid analgesic and it appears to predispose to chronic use with high likability by users. Fentanyl and hydromorphone are both very lipophilic allowing rapid penetration into the CNS, but are not rated as highly as other agents. Providers should consider the risk of addiction with the opioids they prescribe and give those with a lower addictive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Connors
- HCA Healthcare, Trident Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29406, USA.,Palmetto Poison Center, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
| | - Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Sergey Motov
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11219, USA
| | - Hong K Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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19
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Hockenhull J, Black JC, Bletz A, Margolin Z, Olson R, Wood DM, Dart RC, Dargan PI. An evaluation of online discussion relating to nonmedical use of prescription opioids within the UK. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 87:1637-1646. [PMID: 33464643 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify and describe the nature of online discussion relating to prescription opioids within the UK. METHODS We performed analysis of posts originating in the UK related to buprenorphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone and tramadol using Social Studio, a web-monitoring platform. The study included posts published between January 2014 and December 2016. The data were cleaned to produce a final dataset consisting only of substantive mentions, which were then categorised by defined themes. RESULTS The final dataset included a total of 17 361 substantive mentions (2936 buprenorphine, 2894 hydrocodone, 3826 oxycodone and 7705 tramadol). The most common theme for all 4 drugs was sharing experience or opinion comprising over 90% of mentions for each drug, while discussion related to polysubstance use was present in >1/4 of mentions across drug substances. Mentions related to diversion were more common for hydrocodone and oxycodone (8.1% [6.3-10.1 95% confidence interval] and 7.8% [6.5-9.2], respectively) than buprenorphine or tramadol (4.1 and 3.9% [3.5-4.3], respectively). CONCLUSION This investigation shows that there is substantial online discussion relating to a variety of nonmedical use (NMU) behaviours of prescription opioids within the UK, including for hydrocodone, which is not medically available. Web monitoring provides useful data and merits future investigation; this could include expansion to other categories of drugs and a more in-depth analysis of motivations behind NMU, both of which could add timely evidence regarding the current situation in the UK and help inform public health interventions for NMU of prescription drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Hockenhull
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joshua C Black
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authorty, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Alex Bletz
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authorty, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Zachary Margolin
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authorty, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Rick Olson
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authorty, Denver, CO, USA
| | - David M Wood
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard C Dart
- Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authorty, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Paul I Dargan
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Abril Ochoa L, Naeem F, White DJ, Bijur PE, Friedman BW. Opioid-induced Euphoria Among Emergency Department Patients With Acute Severe Pain: An Analysis of Data From a Randomized Trial. Acad Emerg Med 2020; 27:1100-1105. [PMID: 32220099 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parenteral opioids are commonly used to treat acute severe pain. We measured pleasurable sensations in patients administered intravenous analgesics to determine if these sensations were associated with receipt of an opioid, after controlling for relief of pain. Pleasurable sensations not accounted for by relief of pain were considered opioid-induced euphoria. METHODS These data were from a randomized study of 1 mg of hydromorphone versus 120 mg of lidocaine for abdominal pain. To assess euphoria, participants were asked to provide a 0 to 10 response to each of these questions: 1) How good did the medication make you feel? 2) How high did the medication make you feel? and 3) How happy did the medication make you feel? Pain at baseline and 30 minutes was also measured on a 0 to 10 scale. To determine the relative importance of pain relief versus medication type, we built three linear regression models in which each euphoria question was the dependent variable and pain relief, medication type, and medication-induced side effects were the independent variables. RESULTS Seventy-seven patients received lidocaine and 77 hydromorphone. Hydromorphone patients reported greater pain improvement than lidocaine patients (mean difference = 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.6 to 2.3) and higher scores on all three euphoria questions ("feeling good" difference = 1.9, 95% CI = 0.8 to 3.0; "feeling high" difference = 1.5, 95% CI = 0.4 to 2.7; "feeling happy" difference = 1.7, 95% CI = 0.6 to 2.8). In the regression models, hydromorphone administration (β-coefficient = 0.16, p = 0.03) and pain relief (β-coefficient = 0.45, p < 0.01) were both associated with "feeling good." "Feeling high" and "feeling happy" were associated with pain improvement (p < 0.01) but not with hydromorphone administration (p = 0.07 for "high" and p = 0.06 for "happy"). Medication-induced side effects were not associated with these measures of euphoria. CONCLUSION Among emergency department patients with acute pain, hydromorphone-induced euphoria, though measurable, was generally less important for patients than relief of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Abril Ochoa
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine Albert Einstein College of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx NY
| | - Farnia Naeem
- and the Medical College Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx NY USA
| | - Deborah J. White
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine Albert Einstein College of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx NY
| | - Polly E. Bijur
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine Albert Einstein College of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx NY
| | - Benjamin W. Friedman
- From the Department of Emergency Medicine Albert Einstein College of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx NY
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21
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Phillips AG, McGovern DJ, Lee S, Ro K, Huynh DT, Elvig SK, Fegan KN, Root DH. Oral prescription opioid-seeking behavior in male and female mice. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12828. [PMID: 31489746 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A significant portion of prescription opioid users self-administer orally rather than intravenously. Animal models of opioid addiction have demonstrated that intravenous cues are sufficient to cause drug seeking. However, intravenous models may not characterize oral users, and the preference to self-administer orally appears to be partially influenced by the user's sex. Our objectives were to determine whether oral opioid-associated cues are sufficient for relapse and whether sex differences exist in relapse susceptibility. Mice orally self-administered escalating doses of oxycodone under postprandial (prefed) or non-postprandial (no prefeeding) conditions. Both sexes demonstrated cue-induced reinstatement following abstinence. In separate mice, we found that oral oxycodone cues were sufficient to reinstate extinguished oral oxycodone-seeking behavior following abstinence without prior postprandial or water self-administration training. During self-administration, we incidentally found that female mice earned significantly more mg/kg oxycodone than male mice. Follow-up studies indicated sex differences in psychomotor stimulation and plasma oxycodone/oxymorphone following oral oxycodone administration. In addition, gonadal studies were performed in which we found divergent responses where ovariectomy-enhanced and orchiectomy-suppressed oral self-administration. While the suppressive effects of orchiectomy were identified across doses and postprandial conditions, the enhancing effects of ovariectomy were selective to non-postprandial conditions. These studies establish that (a) oral drug cues are sufficient to cause reinstatement that is independent of prandial conditions and water-seeking behavior, (b) earned oral oxycodone is larger in female mice compared with male mice potentially through differences in psychomotor stimulation and drug metabolism, and (c) gonadectomy produces divergent effects on oral oxycodone self-administration between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysabeth G. Phillips
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
| | - Dillon J. McGovern
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
| | - Soo Lee
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
| | - Kyu Ro
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
| | - David T. Huynh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
| | - Sophie K. Elvig
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
| | - Katelynn N. Fegan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
| | - David H. Root
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado Boulder Colorado USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate opioid prescribing patterns following cochlear implantation (CI) and assess factors associated with recurrent opioid use. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING National pharmaceutical database recording opioid fulfillment (Truven Health Marketscan Commercial Claims and Encounters and Medicare Claims and Encounters database) PARTICIPANTS:: CI recipients who filled opioid prescriptions between January 2011 and December 2016. All patients had no previous opioid prescriptions filled 60 days before implantation and filled at least one opioid prescription within 1 week after surgery. Cohort 1 filled only one prescription and cohort 2 filled more than one prescription in the 12 months following CI. Univariate/multivariate analysis was performed to assess for associations with recurrent opioid use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Opioid prescription details and recurrent opioid use. RESULTS The study included 98 patients (cohort 1 = 57, cohort 2 (recurrent opioid use) = 41). Hydrocodone 5 mg was most frequently used. The average duration opioids were prescribed was 5.49 days with an average quantity of tablets of 36.1. Recurrent opioid use in cohort 2 was associated with both total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) prescribed/day in the first postoperative week (OR = 1.03, p = 0.01) and use of stronger MME opioids (OR = 7.20, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION Prescribing patterns following CI can influence recurrent opioid use in patients. Each additional tablet of hydrocodone 5 mg beyond 8 tablets/d or oxycodone 5 mg beyond 5.33 tablets/d, increases the likelihood of recurrent opioid use by 15 or 22.5%, respectively. Limiting opioids prescribed per day to no more than 40 MME could lower the likelihood of patients becoming recurrent opioid users postoperatively.
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Smith RG. Mitigating the Shadow of the Worldwide Opioid Crisis: A Review for the Foot and Ankle Specialist. Foot Ankle Spec 2020; 13:242-248. [PMID: 31729891 DOI: 10.1177/1938640019886711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The foot and ankle physician is no stranger to the difficulties in achieving optimal pain therapy. There remains much confusion and conflicting information available to nonspecialist prescribers regarding opioid therapy as well as great deal of fear or opiophobia during the prescribing and monitoring of opioids worldwide. The role of the lower extremity specialist provider is to responsibly provide pain management to their patients in an error-free environment. The purpose of this article is to explore the central theme of responsible opioid pain management worldwide. This review focuses on the prescribing strategies of opioid analgesics to treat lower-extremity pain. Pharmacology of opioid agents and opioid prescribing strategies will be presented. Then, the concept of multimodal pain relief criteria for selecting appropriate opioid analgesics and use of adjunctive therapies to prevent opioid misuse as presented in the current medical literature is reported. Finally, a commentary and discussion centered on the actions of pharmaceutical companies of promoting their opioid products and the negative outcomes of their actions in the United States that may go worldwide if behaviors of these companies are not recognized by the foot and ankle specialist.
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Mazereeuw G, Gomes T, Macdonald EM, Greaves S, Li P, Mamdani MM, Redelmeier DA, Juurlink DN. Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, and the Risk of Suicide: A Retrospective Population-Based Case-Control Study. Drug Saf 2020; 43:737-743. [PMID: 32328907 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-020-00924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioids have been increasingly associated with suicide, but whether they are independent contributors is unclear. Oxycodone and hydromorphone are commonly prescribed high-potency opioids that can differentially affect mood. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore whether oxycodone and hydromorphone are differentially associated with suicide. METHODS We conducted a retrospective population-based case-control study in Ontario, Canada, from 1992 to 2014. Using coronial data, we defined case subjects as individuals who died by suicide involving an opioid overdose. Each of these was matched with up to four controls who died of accidental opioid overdose. We ascertained exposure to oxycodone, hydromorphone, and other opioids from postmortem toxicology testing. We used odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to examine whether opioid-related suicide was disproportionately associated with oxycodone relative to hydromorphone. RESULTS We identified 438 suicides and 1212 accidental deaths, each of which involved either oxycodone or hydromorphone but not both. The median age at death was 49 years and 51% were men. After adjusting for a history of self-harm, psychiatric illness, and exposure to other opioids, we found that oxycodone was more strongly associated with suicide than hydromorphone (adjusted odds ratio 1.59; 95% confidence interval 1.20-2.11). In a secondary analysis, we observed a trend of similar magnitude in which combined exposure to oxycodone and hydromorphone was more strongly associated with suicide than hydromorphone alone (adjusted odds ratio 1.68; 95% confidence interval 0.92-3.09). CONCLUSIONS While preliminary, these findings support the possibility that some high-potency opioids might independently influence the risk of suicide in susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Mazereeuw
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erin M Macdonald
- The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Greaves
- The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ping Li
- The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Muhammad M Mamdani
- Li Ka Shing Centre for Healthcare Analytics Research and Training, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - David N Juurlink
- The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue G106, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.
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Guenther S, Mickle TC, Barrett AC, Smith A, Braeckman R, Kelsh D, Vince B. Pharmacokinetics and Abuse Potential of Asalhydromorphone, a Novel Prodrug of Hydromorphone, After Intranasal Administration in Recreational Drug Users. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 21:511-520. [PMID: 30986302 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hydromorphone (HM) is a potent μ-opioid receptor agonist with high susceptibility for abuse. A prodrug of hydromorphone, asalhydromorphone (ASAL-HM), has been designed to deter nonoral forms of abuse associated with hydromorphone. This study evaluated the intranasal (IN) pharmacokinetics and exploratory abuse potential of ASAL-HM compared with HM. DESIGN Single-center, randomized, double-blind, crossover study. SETTING Clinical research site. SUBJECTS Healthy adult, nondependent recreational opioid users. METHODS Subjects (N = 26) were randomized to receive IN administration of 16.1 mg of ASAL-HM and 8.0 mg of HM (molar-equivalent with respect to hydromorphone). Blood samples were taken through 24 hours postdose, and pharmacodynamic end points (Drug Liking, Feeling High, Take Drug Again, Overall Drug Liking) were assessed through eight hours postdose. Nasal irritation and safety were also assessed. RESULTS Relative to IN HM, the rate (Cmax) and extent (area under the curve [AUC0-last, AUC0-inf]) of exposure to hydromorphone following IN ASAL-HM were reduced by ≥50%. Consistent with these findings, scores on "at-the-moment" (i.e., Drug Liking Emax, High Emax) and retrospective (i.e., Take Drug Again, Overall Drug Liking) end points were statistically significantly lower for IN ASAL-HM, with mean/median differences ranging from 11.4 to 25.0 points. ASAL-HM produced greater nasal-related effects, such as nasal burning and facial pain, and a lower incidence of typical opioid-related adverse events such as euphoria, pruritus, and somnolence. CONCLUSIONS The novel hydromorphone prodrug ASAL-HM produced marked reductions in hydromorphone exposure and abuse-related effects following IN administration compared with HM. ASAL-HM has desirable molecular features for incorporation into putative abuse-deterrent immediate-release and extended-release hydromorphone products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Debra Kelsh
- Vince & Associates, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
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Garcia-Romeu A, Cox DJ, Smith KE, Dunn KE, Griffiths RR. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): User demographics, use patterns, and implications for the opioid epidemic. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 208:107849. [PMID: 32029298 PMCID: PMC7423016 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kratom, a Southeast Asian plant with opioid-receptor mediated effects, has emerged as a potential substance of abuse, with limited data on its use and effects. This study characterized kratom user demographics, use patterns, and perceived drug effects. METHODS A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was conducted between January and December 2017. RESULTS 2,798 kratom users - mean age 40 (SD = 12); predominantly White (90 %), female (61 %), and located in the US (97 %) - completed the survey. Kratom was primarily taken orally in doses of 1-3 g (49 %), with daily use (59 %) being most common. Kratom was used for pain (91 %), anxiety (67 %), and depression (65 %), with high ratings of effectiveness. 1,144 (41 %) used kratom to stop or reduce prescription or illicit opioid use, citing decreased opioid withdrawal and craving related to kratom use, with 411 reporting >1-year continuous abstinence from opioids attributed to kratom use. Roughly one-third of respondents reported adverse effects of kratom, largely rated as mild in severity and lasting ≤24 h. Seventeen participants (0.6 %) sought treatment for adverse effects. Fifty-six individuals (2 %) met DSM-5 criteria for a past-year moderate or severe kratom-related substance use disorder (SUD). When asked how troubled they felt regarding their kratom use, the mean (SD) rating was 3.2 (9.8) on a scale from 0 to 100. CONCLUSION Kratom is used among White, middle-aged Americans for symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid withdrawal. Although regular use was typical, kratom-related SUD and serious adverse effects were uncommon. Additional research on kratom epidemiology and pharmacology is imperative in light of the present opioid epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Garcia-Romeu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - David J Cox
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Kirsten E Smith
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, USA.
| | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Roland R Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Balyan R, Hahn D, Huang H, Chidambaran V. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations in developing a response to the opioid epidemic. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:125-141. [PMID: 31976778 PMCID: PMC7199505 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1721458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Opioids continue to be used widely for pain management. Widespread availability of prescription opioids has led to opioid abuse and addiction. Besides steps to reduce inappropriate prescribing, exploiting opioid pharmacology to make their use safer is important.Areas covered: This article discusses the pathology and factors underlying opioid abuse. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties affecting abuse liability of commonly abused opioids have been highlighted. These properties inform the development of ideal abuse deterrent products. Mechanisms and cost-effectiveness of available abuse deterrent products have been reviewed in addition to the pharmacology of medications used to treat addiction.Expert opinion: The opioid crisis presents unique challenges to managing pain effectively given the limited repertoire of strong analgesics. The 5-point strategy to combat the opioid crisis calls for better preventive, treatment, and recovery services, better data, better pain management, better availability of overdose-reversing drugs and better research. There is an urgent need to decrease the cost of abuse deterrent opioids which deters their cost-effectiveness. In addition, discovery of novel analgesics, further insight into central and peripheral pain mechanisms, understanding genomic risk profiles for efficient targeted efforts, and education will be key to winning this fight against the opioid crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Balyan
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
| | - David Hahn
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Henry Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
| | - Vidya Chidambaran
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, USA
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Ali MM, Cutler E, Mutter R, Henke RM, Mazer-Amirshahi M, Pines JM, Cummings N. Opioid prescribing rates from the emergency department: Down but not out. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 205:107636. [PMID: 31704377 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To examine opioid prescribing rates following emergency department (ED) discharge stratified by patient's clinical and demographic characteristics over an 11-year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used 3.9 million ED visits from commercially insured enrollees and 15.2 million ED visits from Medicaid enrollees aged 12 to 64 over 2005-2016 from the IBM® MarketScan® Research Databases. We calculated rates of opioid prescribing at discharge from the ED and the average number of pills per opioid prescription filled. RESULTS Approximately 15-20% of ED visits resulted in opioid prescriptions filled. Rates increased from 2005 into late 2009 and 2010 and then declined steadily through 2016. Prescribing rates were similar for commercially insured and Medicaid enrollees. Being aged 25-54 years was associated with the highest rates of opioid prescriptions being filled. Hydrocodone was the most commonly prescribed opioid, but rates for hydrocodone prescription filling also fell the most. Rates for oxycodone were stable, and rates for tramadol increased. The average number of pills dispensed from prescriptions filled remained steady over the study period at 18-20. DISCUSSION Opioid prescribing rates from the ED have declined steadily since 2010 in reversal of earlier trends; however, about 15% of ED patients still received opioid prescriptions in 2016 amidst a national opioid crisis. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to reduce opioid prescribing could consider focusing on the pain types, age groups, and regions with high prescription rates identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir M Ali
- Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, US Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington D.C., 20201, USA.
| | | | - Ryan Mutter
- Health, Retirement and Long-Term Analysis Division, Congressional Budget Office, USA
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Babalonis S, Lofwall MR, Sloan PA, Nuzzo PA, Fanucchi LC, Walsh SL. Cannabinoid modulation of opioid analgesia and subjective drug effects in healthy humans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:3341-3352. [PMID: 31201479 PMCID: PMC6832798 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05293-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Dozens of preclinical studies have reported cannabinoid agonist potentiation of the analgesic effects of μ-opioid agonists. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine if a cannabinoid agonist could potentiate opioid analgesia in humans using several laboratory pain models. METHODS Healthy participants (n = 10) with/out current drug use/pain conditions completed this within-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized outpatient study. Nine 8-h sessions were completed during which dronabinol (0, 2.5, 5 mg, p.o.) was administered 1 h before oxycodone (0, 5, 10 mg, p.o.) for a total of 9 test conditions. Outcomes included sensory threshold and tolerance from four experimental pain models (cold pressor, pressure algometer, hot thermode, cold hyperalgesia), along with participant- and observer-rated, performance and physiological effects. RESULTS Oxycodone produced miosis (p < 0.05) and analgesic responses (e.g., pressure algometer [p < 0.05]), while dronabinol did not (p > 0.05). Depending on the dose combination, dronabinol attenuated or did not alter oxycodone analgesia; for example, dronabinol (2.5 mg) decreased the analgesic effects of oxycodone (10 mg) on pressure tolerance. Conversely, dronabinol increased oxycodone subjective effects (e.g., drug liking) (p < 0.05); oxycodone (5 mg) ratings of "high" were potentiated by 5 mg dronabinol (p < 0.05; placebo = 1.1 [± 0.7]; 5 mg oxycodone = 4.7 [± 2.2]; 5 mg dronabinol = 9.9 [± 8.4]; 5 mg oxycodone + 5 mg dronabinol = 37.4 [± 11.3]). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that dronabinol did not enhance the analgesic effects of oxycodone and increased abuse- and impairment-related subjective effects. These data suggest that dronabinol may not be an effective or appropriate opioid adjuvant; it could potentially increase opioid dose requirements, while increasing psychoactive opioid effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna Babalonis
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
| | - Michelle R Lofwall
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - Paul A Sloan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Paul A Nuzzo
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - Laura C Fanucchi
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
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Arthur J, Bruera E. Balancing opioid analgesia with the risk of nonmedical opioid use in patients with cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 16:213-226. [PMID: 30514978 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-018-0143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The current opioid crisis has brought renewed attention and scrutiny to opioid prescriptions. When patients receiving opioid therapy for pain engage in nonmedical opioid use (NMOU) or diversion, untoward consequences can occur. New evidence suggests that patients with cancer might be at a higher risk of NMOU than was previously thought, but clinical evidence still supports the use of opioid analgesics as the gold standard to treat cancer-related pain, creating a dilemma in patient management. Clinicians are encouraged to adopt a universal precautions approach to patients with cancer receiving opioids, which includes screening all patients; discussing the risks, benefits, adverse effects and alternatives of opioid therapy; and providing education on safe use, storage and disposal. Use of urine drug tests, prescription drug monitoring programmes and close observation of behaviours related to opioid use help to ensure treatment adherence, detect NMOU and support therapeutic decision-making. These measures can optimize the risk-benefit ratio while supporting safe opioid use. In this Review, we examine the role of opioids in cancer pain, the risk of substance use disorder and methods to achieve the right balance between the two in order to ensure safe opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Arthur
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eduardo Bruera
- Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, Houston, TX, USA.
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The association between endogenous opioid function and morphine responsiveness: a moderating role for endocannabinoids. Pain 2019; 160:676-687. [PMID: 30562268 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We sought to replicate previous findings that low endogenous opioid (EO) function predicts greater morphine analgesia and extended these findings by examining whether circulating endocannabinoids and related lipids moderate EO-related predictive effects. Individuals with chronic low-back pain (n = 46) provided blood samples for endocannabinoid analyses, then underwent separate identical laboratory sessions under 3 drug conditions: saline placebo, intravenous (i.v.) naloxone (opioid antagonist; 12-mg total), and i.v. morphine (0.09-mg/kg total). During each session, participants rated low-back pain intensity, evoked heat pain intensity, and nonpain subjective effects 4 times in sequence after incremental drug dosing. Mean morphine effects (morphine-placebo difference) and opioid blockade effects (naloxone-placebo difference; to index EO function) for each primary outcome (low-back pain intensity, evoked heat pain intensity, and nonpain subjective effects) were derived by averaging across the 4 incremental doses. The association between EO function and morphine-induced back pain relief was significantly moderated by endocannabinoids [2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA)]. Lower EO function predicted greater morphine analgesia only for those with relatively lower endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids also significantly moderated EO effects on morphine-related changes in visual analog scale-evoked pain intensity (2-AG), drug liking (AEA and 2-AG), and desire to take again (AEA and 2-AG). In the absence of significant interactions, lower EO function predicted significantly greater morphine analgesia (as in past work) and euphoria. Results indicate that EO effects on analgesic and subjective responses to opioid medications are greatest when endocannabinoid levels are low. These findings may help guide development of mechanism-based predictors for personalized pain medicine algorithms.
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Sloan VS, Jones A, Maduka C, Bentz JWG. A Benefit Risk Review of Pediatric Use of Hydrocodone/Chlorpheniramine, a Prescription Opioid Antitussive Agent for the Treatment of Cough. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2019; 6:47-57. [PMID: 31073977 PMCID: PMC6520422 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-019-0152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine is a prescription opioid licensed in the USA for the relief of cough and upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergy or cold in adults, previously contraindicated in children aged < 6 years. We present findings from a modern benefit risk review of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine use as an antitussive agent in patients aged 6 to < 18 years. A cumulative search of the manufacturer’s pharmacovigilance database covering 1 January 1900–7 August 2017 identified all individual case safety reports (ICSRs) associated with product family name “hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine.” The search was inclusive of all MedDRA system organ classes, stratified by age (< 18 years). A comprehensive review of the scientific literature was conducted on safety and efficacy of opioids for pediatric treatment of cough. Three hundred and ninety-one ICSRs associated with hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine were identified; 35/391 ICSRs were in patients < 18 years of age; 18 were considered serious. Four fatalities were reported in patients 6 to < 18 years; two fatalities involved co-suspect medication azithromycin and two were poorly documented. Our literature search identified no robust efficacy data for hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine in the relief of cough and upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergy or cold in patients aged 6 to < 18 years. As we found no evidence of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine efficacy in the pediatric population, we conclude that the benefit risk profile is unfavorable. This evidence contributed to the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) recent decision that hydrocodone-containing cough and cold medications should no longer be indicated for treatment of cough in patients < 18 years, highlighting the value of proactive re-evaluation of the benefit risk profile of older established drugs. Plain Language Summary People often use medicines containing opioids to treat cough symptoms. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently decided that cough medicines containing opioids should not be used by children under 18 years old. Part of this decision was a review of the benefits and risks of using cough medicines that contain the opioid hydrocodone in children. Why was this review carried out? Most cough medicines that doctors can prescribe were approved several decades ago. Since then, rules for the approval of medicines have become stricter. In this review, researchers looked at the safety of hydrocodone, and how well this opioid relieves cough symptoms in children. Up-to-date information and modern research methods were used. The two key pieces of evidence found were:We could not locate any clinical trials providing robust evidence for the use of hydrocodone for cough relief in children under 18 years of age. (Outside the scope of this review, a number of clinical trials of hydrocodone-containing cough medicines in adults aged 18 years and over have shown the medicine to be effective in these patients.) Cough medicines containing opioids can cause harmful side effects in children such as breathing problems. In the research reported here, ten children died after taking a hydrocodone-containing cough medicine. Nine of these deaths were due to overdose.
This evidence was used to draw the following conclusions:In children under 18 years of age, the risks of using hydrocodone for cough relief are greater than any benefits. Older medicines should be reviewed regularly to look at their safety and how well they are working using up-to-date evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor S Sloan
- UCB BioSciences Inc., Raleigh, NC, USA. .,Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
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Basilico M, Bhashyam AR, Harris MB, Heng M. Prescription Opioid Type and the Likelihood of Prolonged Opioid Use After Orthopaedic Surgery. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2019; 27:e423-e429. [PMID: 30289795 PMCID: PMC6590520 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A common belief is that some narcotic medications have a higher association with prolonged use. We assessed whether the initial opiate type prescribed to postoperative, opiate-naive orthopaedic trauma patients was associated with prolonged opioid use. METHODS We studied 17,961 adult, opiate-naive patients treated for a surgical musculoskeletal injury. Discharge prescription in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs, a standardized dosing unit that allows for comparison across opioid types) was calculated. Opioid prescribing beyond 90 days after injury was defined as prolonged use. RESULTS Initial analysis demonstrated a higher likelihood of prolonged use for patients discharged on hydromorphone or morphine versus hydrocodone. However, when we adjusted for discharge MME, only opioid quantity was predictive of prolonged use (P < 0.001). In addition, discharge MME was associated with opioid type (P < 0.01). DISCUSSION Persistent opiate use was associated with discharge opioid quantity, not the opioid type. These results highlight the importance of calculating equivalence doses when selecting opioid types and considering amount of narcotics prescribed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Basilico
- Department of Economics, Harvard University and Harvard Medical School
| | | | - Mitchel B. Harris
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Orthopaedic Trauma Initiative, Harvard Medical School
| | - Marilyn Heng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Orthopaedic Trauma Initiative, Harvard Medical School
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Webster L, Henningfield J, Buchhalter AR, Siddhanti S, Lu L, Odinecs A, Di Fonzo CJ, Eldon MA. Human Abuse Potential of the New Opioid Analgesic Molecule NKTR-181 Compared with Oxycodone. PAIN MEDICINE 2019; 19:307-318. [PMID: 28340145 PMCID: PMC5914314 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Objective Evaluate the human abuse potential, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of NKTR-181, a novel mu-opioid agonist molecule, relative to oxycodone. Design This randomized, single-center, double-blind, active- and placebo-controlled five-period crossover study enrolled healthy, adult, non–physically dependent recreational opioid users. Setting Inpatient clinical research site. Subjects Forty-two randomized subjects (73.8% male, 81% white, mean age = 25 years). Methods The primary objective was to evaluate single orally administered 100, 200, and 400 mg NKTR-181 doses in solution compared with 40 mg oxycodone and placebo solutions using the Drug Liking visual analog scale. Secondary measures included the Drug Effects Questionnaire, Addiction Research Center Inventory/Morphine Benzedrine Group Subscale, Price Value Assessment Questionnaire, Global Assessment of Overall Drug Liking, and Take Drug Again Assessment. Central nervous system mu-opioid effects were assessed using pupillometry. The study included qualifying and treatment phases. Subjects received each of the five treatments using a crossover design. Results NKTR-181 at all dose levels had significantly lower Drug Liking Emax than oxycodone (P < 0.0001). Drug Liking scores for oxycodone increased rapidly within 15 minutes and peaked at approximately one hour postdose, whereas Drug Liking (and most secondary abuse potential measures) for all doses of NKTR-181 were comparable with placebo for at least the first hour. Only the 400 mg Drug Liking scores were minimally differentiated vs placebo from one and a half to four hours, but remained significantly lower than oxycodone (P < 0.003). NKTR-181 treatment-related adverse effects were mild and occurred at a lower rate compared with oxycodone. Conclusions NKTR-181 demonstrated delayed onset of CNS effects and significantly lower abuse potential scores compared with oxycodone in recreational opioid users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jack Henningfield
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland.,Pinney Associates, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | | | - Lin Lu
- Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
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Bishop B, Gilmour J, Deering D. Readiness and recovery: Transferring between methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2019; 28:226-236. [PMID: 30019812 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Long-acting opioids are prescribed as part of treatment for opioid use disorders; methadone and buprenorphine are well researched and commonly prescribed for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Meta-analysis suggests that buprenorphine has a slightly poorer retention rate in treatment as compared to methadone. Benefits of buprenorphine/naloxone include greater ease in ceasing treatment and less use of illicit opioids while in treatment as compared to methadone. There are a number of qualitative and mixed-method studies that ask patients about their experiences of methadone maintenance and buprenorphine maintenance treatment. This research aimed to understand perspectives of receiving buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Seven participants with a current diagnosis of opioid use disorder treated with buprenorphine/naloxone were interviewed. Thematic analysis extracted four themes: drivers for opioid substitution treatment change; readiness for buprenorphine/naloxone substitution treatment; absence of effect from buprenorphine/naloxone; and an increased sense of citizenship on buprenorphine/naloxone. This study identified a number of factors influencing participants' decision-making in transferring between methadone and buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of their opioid use disorder. Methadone was preferred by those seeking sedation and wishing to continue using other opioids, and buprenorphine/naloxone was most effective for participants no longer wishing to experience sedation and seeing opioid abstinence as an end point in their recovery. Changing treatment expectations are important to consider when determining medication selection and highlight the importance of quality information when determining the most suitable medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
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Assessment of the Abuse Potential of Cebranopadol in Nondependent Recreational Opioid Users: A Phase 1 Randomized Controlled Study. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2019; 39:46-56. [PMID: 30531478 PMCID: PMC6319565 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000000995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cebranopadol is a nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide/opioid receptor agonist with central antinociceptive activity. We hypothesize that this novel mechanism of action may lead to a lower risk of abuse compared with pure μ-opioid peptide receptor agonists. METHODS We conducted a single-dose, nested-randomized, double-blind crossover study in nondependent recreational opioid users to evaluate the abuse potential of single doses of cebranopadol relative to hydromorphone immediate release and placebo. The study consisted of a qualification phase and a 7-period treatment phase (cebranopadol 200, 400, and 800 μg; hydromorphone 8 and 16 mg; and 2 placebos). The primary end point was the peak effect of drug liking at this moment, measured by visual analog scale (VAS). Various secondary end points (eg, VAS rating for good drug effects, high, bad drug effects, take drug again, drug similarity, and pupillometry) were also investigated. RESULTS Forty-two subjects completed the study. Cebranopadol 200 and 400 μg did not differentiate from placebo on the abuse potential assessments and generated smaller responses than hydromorphone. Responses observed with cebranopadol 800 μg were similar to hydromorphone 8 mg and smaller than hydromorphone 16 mg. The maximum effect for VAS drug liking at this moment was delayed compared with hydromorphone (3 and 1.5 hours, respectively). Cebranopadol administration was safe; no serious adverse events or study discontinuation due to treatment-emergent adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm our hypothesis that cebranopadol, a nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide/opioid receptor agonist, has lower abuse potential than hydromorphone immediate release, a pure μ-opioid peptide agonist.
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Bruehl S, Stone AL, Palmer C, Edwards DA, Buvanendran A, Gupta R, Chont M, Kennedy M, Burns JW. Self-reported cumulative medical opioid exposure and subjective responses on first use of opioids predict analgesic and subjective responses to placebo-controlled opioid administration. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2019; 44:92-99. [PMID: 30640659 PMCID: PMC10853921 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2018-000008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To expand the evidence base needed to enable personalized pain medicine, we evaluated whether self-reported cumulative exposure to medical opioids and subjective responses on first opioid use predicted responses to placebo-controlled opioid administration. METHODS In study 1, a survey assessing cumulative medical opioid exposure and subjective responses on first opioid use was created (History of Opioid Medical Exposure (HOME)) and psychometric features documented in a general sample of 307 working adults. In study 2, 49 patients with chronic low back pain completed the HOME and subsequently rated back pain intensity and subjective opioid effects four times after receiving saline placebo or intravenous morphine (four incremental doses) in two separate double-blinded laboratory sessions. Placebo-controlled morphine effects were derived for all outcomes. RESULTS Two HOME subscales were supported: cumulative opioid exposure and euphoric response, both demonstrating high test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients > 0.93) and adequate internal consistency (Revelle's Omega Total = 0.73-0.77). In study 2, higher cumulative opioid exposure scores were associated with significantly greater morphine-related reductions in back pain intensity (p=0.02), but not with subjective drug effects. Higher euphoric response subscale scores were associated with significantly lower overall perceived morphine effect (p=0.003), less sedation (p=0.04), greater euphoria (p=0.03) and greater desire to take morphine again (p=0.02). DISCUSSION Self-reports of past exposure and responses to medical opioid analgesics may have utility for predicting subsequent analgesic responses and subjective effects. Further research is needed to establish the potential clinical and research utility of the HOME. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02469077.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Bruehl
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amanda L Stone
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Cassandra Palmer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - David A Edwards
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Rajnish Gupta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Melissa Chont
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mary Kennedy
- Department of Behavioral Science, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John W Burns
- Department of Behavioral Science, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Mickle TC, Guenther SM, Barrett AC, Roupe KA, Zhou J, Dickerson D, Webster LR. Pharmacokinetics and Abuse Potential of Benzhydrocodone, a Novel Prodrug of Hydrocodone, After Intranasal Administration in Recreational Drug Users. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2018; 19:2438-2449. [PMID: 29092079 PMCID: PMC6294406 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnx247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective Developing an acetaminophen-free, immediate-release hydrocodone product remains an unmet medical need; however, new opioid analgesics should not introduce new abuse risks. Benzhydrocodone is a prodrug of hydrocodone that must be metabolized into hydrocodone by enzymes in the intestinal tract to optimally deliver its pharmacologic effects. This study evaluated the intranasal pharmacokinetics and abuse potential of benzhydrocodone active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) compared with hydrocodone bitartrate (HB) API. Design Single-center, randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Setting Clinical research site. Subjects Healthy adult, nondependent, recreational opioid users. Methods Subjects (N = 51 Completers) were randomized to receive 13.34 mg of intranasal benzhydrocodone API and 15.0 mg of intranasal HB API (molar-equivalent doses of hydrocodone). Blood samples were taken, and Drug Liking scores (assessed on a bipolar visual analog scale) were obtained throughout each dosing interval. Nasal irritation and safety were assessed. Results Peak hydrocodone plasma concentration (Cmax) was 36.0% lower, and total hydrocodone exposures (AUClast and AUCinf) were 20.3% and 19.5% lower, respectively, for benzhydrocodone API compared with HB API (P < 0.0001). All partial AUC values were lower for benzhydrocodone API, with a ≥ 75% reduction in hydrocodone exposure at all time intervals up to one hour postdose (P < 0.0001). Median Tmax of hydrocodone following benzhydrocodone API was delayed by more than one hour compared with HB. Drug Liking score, as assessed by maximal liking (Emax), was significantly lower for benzhydrocodone API vs HB API (P = 0.004), with 45% of subjects showing a ≥ 30% reduction in Drug Liking Emax. Conclusion Reductions in hydrocodone exposure and associated decreases in Drug Liking relative to HB suggest that the prodrug benzhydrocodone may deter intranasal abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jing Zhou
- Worldwide Clinical Trials, Austin, Texas
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Cardia L, Calapai G, Quattrone D, Mondello C, Arcoraci V, Calapai F, Mannucci C, Mondello E. Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology of Hydrocodone for Chronic Pain: A Mini Review. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1122. [PMID: 30327606 PMCID: PMC6174210 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrocodone is one of the most prescribed oral analgesic drugs and it is one of the most abused drugs in general population. It is a mu-opioid agonist predominantly metabolized to the O-demethylated product hydromorphone and to the N-demethylated product norhydrocodone. The purpose of the study is to summarize the preclinical and clinical characteristics of hydrocodone. Pharmacokinetic aspect (terminal half-life, maximum serum concentration, and time to maximum serum concentration) of hydrocodone and the influence of metabolic genetic polymorphism in analgesic response to hydrocodone are also illustrated and commented. Literature on experimental preclinical pharmacology investigating analgesic activity in laboratory animals is furtherly discussed. Moreover, the authors discuss and comment on the updated data regarding safety profile and effectiveness of hydrocodone in the treatment of chronic pain. A bibliographic research was carried out (from February 01, 2018 to August 28, 2018) independently by two researchers (blinded to the authors and initially on results) in the major scientific databases and research engines of peer-reviewed literature on life sciences and biomedical topics, starting from January 1990 to August 2018. Analysis of results of clinical studies suggests that abuse-deterrent extended-release (ER) hydrocodone formulations can be effective and they are well tolerated in the treatment of chronic low back pain. Weaker is the evidence of the analgesic effectiveness of ER hydrocodone on other chronic pain syndromes and non-cancer non-neuropathic chronic pain. In these conditions, hydrocodone showed to have positive effects in non-controlled open studies and needs to be further studied to assess the real strength of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Cardia
- Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino" - Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Calapai
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino" - Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Quattrone
- Pain Therapy Unit, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli-Reggio Calabria, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Cristina Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino" - Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino" - Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Calapai
- Pharma.Ca Research Facility (Centro Studi Pharma.Ca), Messina, Italy
| | - Carmen Mannucci
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino" - Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Epifanio Mondello
- Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino" - Messina, Messina, Italy
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Alshehri FS, Hakami AY, Althobaiti YS, Sari Y. Effects of ceftriaxone on hydrocodone seeking behavior and glial glutamate transporters in P rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 347:368-376. [PMID: 29604365 PMCID: PMC5988953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Hydrocodone (HYD) is one of the most widely prescribed opioid analgesic drugs. Several neurotransmitters are involved in opioids relapse. Among these neurotransmitters, glutamate is suggested to be involved in opioid dependence and relapse. Glutamate is regulated by several glutamate transporters, including glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) and cystine/glutamate transporter (xCT). In this study, we investigated the effects of ceftriaxone (CEF) (200 mg/kg, i.p.), known to upregulate GLT-1 and xCT, on reinstatement to HYD (5 mg/kg, i.p.) using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in alcohol-preferring (P) rats. Animals were divided into three groups: 1) saline-saline group (SAL-SAL); 2) HYD-SAL group; and 3) HYD-CEF group. The CPP was conducted as follows: habituation phase, conditioning phase with HYD (i.p.) injections every other day for four sessions, extinction phase with CEF (i.p.) injections every other day for four sessions, and reinstatement phase with one priming dose of HYD. Time spent in the HYD-paired chamber after conditioning training was increased as compared to pre-conditioning. There was an increase in time spent in the HYD-paired chamber with one priming dose of HYD in the reinstatement test. HYD exposure downregulated xCT expression in the nucleus accumbens and hippocampus, but no effects were observed in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Importantly, CEF treatment attenuated the reinstatement effect of HYD and normalized xCT expression in the affected brain regions. These findings demonstrate that the attenuating effect of HYD reinstatement with CEF might be mediated through xCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad S Alshehri
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Alqassem Y Hakami
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Yusuf S Althobaiti
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Youssef Sari
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
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Roux P, Mezaache S, Briand-Madrid L, Debrus M, Khatmi N, Maradan G, Protopopescu C, Rojas-Castro D, Carrieri P. Profile, risk practices and needs of people who inject morphine sulfate: Results from the ANRS-AERLI study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 59:3-9. [PMID: 29966806 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In France, a non-negligible proportion of opioid-dependent individuals inject morphine sulfate. Although it has not yet been officially approved as an opioid substitution treatment (OST), some physicians can prescribe its use for people in methadone or buprenorphine treatment failure. Longitudinal data from the ANRS-AERLI study, which evaluated an educational intervention for safer injection called AERLI, provided us the opportunity to better characterize the profile, risk practices and needs of people who inject morphine sulfate (MSI), through comparison with other injectors, and to identify correlates of HIV/HCV risk practices in this group. METHODS The national multisite ANRS-AERLI study assessed the impact of AERLI offered in volunteer harm reduction (HR) centers ("with intervention") (n = 113) through comparison with standard HR centers ("without intervention") (n = 127). All participants were scheduled to be followed up for 12 months and have 3 telephone interviews: at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. We compared MSI (n = 79) with other opioid injectors (n = 161) and then used a mixed logistic model to identify factors associated with HIV/HCV risk practices among MSI. FINDINGS Of the 240 eligible participants, 79 were regular MSI. They were less likely to use cocaine, crack or buprenorphine and to receive OST than other participants. Conversely, MSI were more likely to inject drugs more than three times a day and to report HIV/HCV risk practices. Among MSI, multivariate analysis showed that those receiving morphine sulfate as an OST were less likely to report such practices than other participants (aOR [95%CI] = 0.11 [0.02-0.61]). CONCLUSION Our results show that while MSI use fewer stimulants, they have more HIV/HCV risk practices than other injectors. However, when MSI are prescribed morphine sulfate as a treatment, these practices tend to decrease. Our findings suggest the importance of increasing access to morphine sulfate as a new OST in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Roux
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, IRD, UMR-S912, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, France; AIDES, Pantin, France.
| | - Salim Mezaache
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, IRD, UMR-S912, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, France; AIDES, Pantin, France
| | - Laélia Briand-Madrid
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, IRD, UMR-S912, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, France; AIDES, Pantin, France
| | - Marie Debrus
- Médecins du Monde, Paris, France; GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, France; AIDES, Pantin, France
| | - Nicolas Khatmi
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, IRD, UMR-S912, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, France; AIDES, Pantin, France
| | - Gwenaelle Maradan
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, IRD, UMR-S912, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, France; AIDES, Pantin, France
| | - Camélia Protopopescu
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, IRD, UMR-S912, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, France; AIDES, Pantin, France
| | - Daniela Rojas-Castro
- Médecins du Monde, Paris, France; GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, France; AIDES, Pantin, France
| | - Patrizia Carrieri
- INSERM U912 (SESSTIM), Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Université, IRD, UMR-S912, Marseille, France; ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France; GRePS (Groupe de Recherche en Psychologie Sociale) (EA4163), Université de Lyon 2, France; AIDES, Pantin, France
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Evaluation of the Relative Abuse of an OROS Extended-release Hydromorphone HCI Product. Clin J Pain 2018; 34:618-628. [DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Walentiny DM, Wiebelhaus JM, Beardsley PM. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors modulate the discriminative stimulus effects of oxycodone in C57BL/6 mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 187:335-342. [PMID: 29705547 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor ligands have shown efficacy as putative analgesics and can modulate the abuse-related effects of opioids, suggesting therapeutic applications. The discriminative stimulus effects of a drug are related to their subjective effects, a predictor of abuse potential. To determine whether activation of NOP receptors could alter the subjective effects of an abused opioid analgesic, a novel oxycodone discrimination was established in mice, characterized with positive and negative controls, and its expression evaluated with a NOP receptor agonist. METHODS Adult male C57BL/6 mice were trained to discriminate 1.3 mg/kg oxycodone from vehicle in a two-lever operant procedure. The discrimination was characterized with naloxone challenge, and generalization tests with the μ-opioid receptor agonists, heroin and morphine, and the κ-opioid receptor selective agonist, U50488. Subsequently, effects of the NOP agonist Ro64-6198 were evaluated with and without oxycodone. RESULTS Oxycodone generalization occurred in a dose-dependent manner and was reversed by naloxone pretreatment. Heroin and morphine, but not U50488, substituted for oxycodone. Co-treatment of 1 mg/kg Ro64-6198 with the oxycodone training dose reduced % oxycodone lever responding (%OLR) and restored response rates to vehicle control levels. J-113397, a NOP antagonist, reversed these effects. Co-administration of 1 mg/kg Ro64-6198 with a range of oxycodone doses resulted in rightward dose-effect curve shifts in %OLR and response rates compared to oxycodone alone. CONCLUSIONS These results provide additional evidence that NOP receptor activation can modulate the subjective effects of opioid analgesics and represent the first characterization of oxycodone's discriminative stimulus effects in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Matthew Walentiny
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1217 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, United States.
| | - Jason M Wiebelhaus
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1217 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, United States
| | - Patrick M Beardsley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1217 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, United States; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies and Center for Biomarker Research and Personalized Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 N. 12th Street, PO Box 980613, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, United States
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Herrmann ES, Jarvis BP, Sparks AC, Cohn AM, Koszowski B, Rosenberry ZR, Coleman-Cowger VH, Pickworth WB, Peters EN. Sweet flowers are slow, and weeds make haste: leveraging methodology from research on tobacco, alcohol, and opioid analgesics to make rapid and policy-relevant advances in cannabis science. Int Rev Psychiatry 2018; 30:238-250. [PMID: 30179535 PMCID: PMC6396691 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2018.1465400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The legalization of medical and recreational cannabis use has occurred ahead of science. The current evidence base has poor utility for determining if cannabis products can meet the standards of safety, efficacy, and quality intrinsic to modern medicine, and for informing regulation of cannabis as a legal intoxicant. Individual jurisdictions that pass cannabis reforms may not have adequate resources to support the level of new scientific research needed to inform regulatory actions; this could make it difficult to keep a rapidly growing multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry in check. Further, the present lack of evidence-based regulatory oversight for cannabis parallels the climates that gave rise to the tobacco and prescription opioid epidemics, suggesting that continued omission may result in negative public health consequences. However, translating a methodological framework developed through research on these compounds may promote rapid advances in cannabis science germane to regulatory knowledge gaps. The present review highlights specific advancements in these areas, as well as in alcohol regulation, that are prime for informing policy-relevant cannabis science, and also offers some recommendations for evidence-based regulatory policy. Resulting progress may directly inform both regulation of cannabis in both medical and licit recreational drug frameworks, and new cannabis-related public health initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amy M. Cohn
- Individual and Population Health, Battelle, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Erica N. Peters
- Individual and Population Health, Battelle, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Setnik B, Bass A, Bramson C, Levy-Cooperman N, Malhotra B, Matschke K, Geoffroy P, Sommerville KW, Wolfram G. Abuse Potential Study of ALO-02 (Extended-Release Oxycodone Surrounding Sequestered Naltrexone) Compared with Immediate-Release Oxycodone Administered Orally to Nondependent Recreational Opioid Users. PAIN MEDICINE 2018; 18:1077-1088. [PMID: 27550954 PMCID: PMC5914361 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To evaluate the abuse potential of ALO-02, an abuse-deterrent formulation comprising pellets of extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride surrounding sequestered naltrexone hydrochloride. Design. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-/active-controlled, 6-way crossover study, with naloxone challenge, drug discrimination, and treatment phases. Subjects. Nondependent, recreational opioid users. Methods. Oral administration of crushed and intact ALO-02, crushed immediate-release (IR) oxycodone, and placebo. Primary endpoints were Drug Liking and High measured on visual analog scales and reported as maximum effect (Emax) and area-under-the-effect-curve from 0 to 2 hours (AUE0-2h). Other pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and safety assessments were included. Results. Drug Liking and High (Emax) for crushed oxycodone IR 40 mg were significantly higher compared with placebo, confirming study validity (P < 0.0001). Drug Liking and High (Emax, AUE0-2h) for crushed ALO-02 (40 mg/4.8 mg and 60 mg/7.2 mg) were significantly lower compared to corresponding doses of crushed oxycodone IR (40 and 60 mg; P < 0.0001). Likewise, Drug Liking and High (Emax and AUE0-2h) for intact ALO-02 60 mg/7.2 mg were significantly lower compared with crushed oxycodone IR 60 mg (P < 0.0001). Secondary pharmacodynamic endpoints and plasma concentrations of oxycodone and naltrexone were consistent with these results. Fewer participants experienced adverse events (AEs) after ALO-02 (crushed or intact: 71.1–91.9%) compared with crushed oxycodone IR (100%). Most common AEs following crushed ALO-02 and oxycodone IR were euphoric mood, pruritus, somnolence, and dizziness. Conclusions. The results suggest that ALO-02 (crushed or intact) has lower abuse potential than crushed oxycodone IR when administered orally in nondependent, recreational opioid users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Setnik
- Global Product Development, Global Innovative Pharma - Neuroscience & Pain, Pfizer Inc, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Almasa Bass
- Global Product Development, Global Innovative Pharma - Clinical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Candace Bramson
- Global Product Development, Global Innovative Pharma - Clinical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Groton, CT, USA
| | | | - Bimal Malhotra
- Global Product Development, Global Innovative Pharma - Clinical Pharmacology, Pfizer Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kyle Matschke
- Global Product Development, Global Innovative Pharma - Statistics, Pfizer Inc., Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | - Kenneth W Sommerville
- Global Product Development, Global Innovative Pharma - Neuroscience & Pain, Pfizer Inc, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gernot Wolfram
- Global Product Development, Global Innovative Pharma - Neuroscience & Pain, Pfizer Inc, Durham, NC, USA
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Dunn KE, Brands B, Marsh DC, Bigelow GE. Characterizing the subjective, observer-rated, and physiological effects of hydromorphone relative to heroin in a human laboratory study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:971-981. [PMID: 29270641 PMCID: PMC5871549 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4814-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study compared the effects of the several doses of the opioid agonists heroin and hydromorphone across two routes of administration in humans. The goal was to guide development of human laboratory studies of opioid effects and inform subsequent injection pharmacotherapy trials of hydromorphone-assisted treatment. METHODS A within-subject (N = 16), double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, evaluation of acute doses of heroin and hydromorphone was completed at four dose levels (placebo, low, medium, high) across two routes of administration (intravenous, subcutaneous) in non-physically dependent, opioid-experienced individuals. Subject and observer ratings, as well as physiological outcomes, were assessed. RESULTS Within each route of administration, heroin and hydromorphone produced effects that were qualitatively similar on most variables across the doses examined. All effects were dose-dependent. The drugs produced different effects on VAS ratings of "Feels Like Heroin," a Heroin Identification Test, observer agonist ratings, and oxygen saturation levels. Drug-dependent differences emerged at the highest doses in all cases. Few significant main effects of Route were identified and their pattern was not uniform. Relative potency calculations across all subject, observer, and physiological outcomes that met analysis criteria revealed similar profiles and resulted in mean heroin:hydromorphone potencies of 3.35:1 and 2.88:1 for the intravenous and subcutaneous routes, respectively, and intravenous:subcutaneous potencies of 0.47:1 and 0.49:1 for heroin and hydromorphone, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Hydromorphone produced similar subjective and physiological effects as heroin, but was more potent than heroin. The current findings support the use of hydromorphone as a model for heroin in human laboratory and clinical treatment studies, and help identify appropriate hydromorphone dose conversion ratios to produce effects qualitatively similar to heroin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruna Brands
- Health Canada,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,University of Toronto
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Friedman BW, Latev A, Campbell C, White D. Opioid-Induced "Likeability" and "Feeling Good" Are Not Associated With Return Visits to an ED Among Migraine Patients Administered IV Hydromorphone. Headache 2018. [PMID: 29516486 DOI: 10.1111/head.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parenteral opioids are used in more than 50% of emergency department (ED) visits for migraine. Use of opioids for migraine has been associated with subsequent ED visits, perhaps because of opioid-induced euphoria. In this study, we quantify the extent to which nontherapeutic effects of opioids influence migraine outcomes. We hypothesized that "feeling good" and medication likeability would in fact be associated with receipt of opioids (rather than relief of migraine pain) and that receipt of opioids (rather than relief of migraine pain) would be associated with return visits to the ED. METHODS During an ED-based clinical trial, migraine patients were randomized to receive hydromorphone 1 mg or prochlorperazine 10 mg + diphenhydramine 25 mg IV. Thirty minutes after medication administration, we asked, (1) How much did you like the medication you received? and (2) How good did the medication make you feel? Participants were asked to provide answers on a 0-10 scale. We also determined 0-10 pain scores at baseline and 1 hour and number of return visits for headache during the subsequent month. RESULTS Sixty-three patients received prochlorperazine and 64 hydromorphone. Prochlorperazine pain scores improved by 6.8 (SD: 2.6), hydromorphone by 4.7 (SD: 3.3) (95%CI for difference of 2.1: 1.0, 3.2). On the 0-10 likeability scale, prochlorperazine patients reported a mean of 7.2 (SD: 2.8), hydromorphone 6.9 (SD: 2.9) (95% CI for difference of 0.3: -0.7, 1.3). On the 0-10 feeling good scale, prochlorperazine patients reported a mean of 7.5 (SD: 2.3), hydromorphone 6.8 (SD: 2.8) (95%CI: for difference of 0.7: -0.2, 1.6). In the hydromorphone group, 8/57 (14%, 95%CI: 7, 26%) returned to the ED vs 5/63 (8%, 95%CI: 3,18%) in the prochlorperazine group. In regression modeling, feeling good was independently associated with pain relief (P < .01) but not with medication received (P = .67) or return visits (P = .12). Similarly, medication likeability was independently associated with pain relief (P < .01) but not medication received (P = .12) or return visits (P = .16). CONCLUSION We did not detect an association between hydromorphone and medication likeability, feeling good, or return visits to the ED. Headache relief was associated with medication likeability and feeling good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W Friedman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Latev
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Caron Campbell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Deborah White
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Health System, Bronx, NY, USA
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Chua KP, Shrime MG, Conti RM. Effect of FDA Investigation on Opioid Prescribing to Children After Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy. Pediatrics 2017; 140:peds.2017-1765. [PMID: 29146621 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-1765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In August 2012, the Food and Drug Administration investigated the safety of codeine use by children after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy, culminating in a black box warning in February 2013. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the investigation and opioid prescribing to children undergoing these surgeries. METHODS We identified 362 992 privately insured children in the 2010-2015 Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database who underwent tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Using an interrupted time series design, we estimated level and slope changes in the proportion of children with ≥1 prescription fills for codeine and ≥1 fills for an alternative opioid, such as hydrocodone, within 7 days of surgery. RESULTS The investigation was associated with a significant -13.3 (95% confidence interval: -14.5 to -12.1) percentage point level change in the proportion of children with ≥1 prescription fills for codeine after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Despite this drop, 5.1% of children had ≥1 prescription fills for codeine in December 2015. The investigation was not associated with significant level changes in alternative opioid prescribing, although the proportion of children receiving alternative opioids increased during the study period because of other factors. CONCLUSIONS The Food and Drug Administration investigation substantially decreased codeine prescribing to children after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. However, 1 in 20 children undergoing these surgeries were still prescribed codeine in December 2015 despite its well-documented safety and efficacy issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kao-Ping Chua
- Section of Academic Pediatrics, Departments of Pediatrics, .,Public Health Sciences and.,Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mark G Shrime
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Otolaryngology, and.,Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rena M Conti
- Public Health Sciences and.,Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Pergolizzi JV, LeQuang JA, Berger GK, Raffa RB. The Basic Pharmacology of Opioids Informs the Opioid Discourse about Misuse and Abuse: A Review. Pain Ther 2017; 6:1-16. [PMID: 28341939 PMCID: PMC5447545 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-017-0068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphine and other opioids are widely used to manage moderate to severe acute pain syndromes, such as pain associated with trauma or postoperative pain, and they have been used to manage chronic pain, even chronic nonmalignant pain. However, recent years have seen a renewed recognition of the potential for overuse, misuse, and abuse of opioids. Therefore, prescribing opioids is challenging for healthcare providers in that clinical effectiveness must be balanced against negative outcomes-with the possibility that neither are achieved perfectly. The current discourse about the dual 'epidemics' of under-treatment of legitimate pain and the over-prescription of opioids is clouded by inadequate or inaccurate understanding of opioid drugs and the endogenous pain pathways with which they interact. An understanding of the basic pharmacology of opioids helps inform the clinician and other stakeholders about these simultaneously under- and over-used agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert B Raffa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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