1
|
Ellis JD, Han D, Mayo J, Hobelmann JG, Finan PH, Huhn AS. The association of pain impact and sleep disruption with opioid withdrawal during opioid-use disorder treatment. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 90:1408-1417. [PMID: 38417973 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.16022] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Persons with opioid-use disorder (OUD) often experience opioid withdrawal and opioid craving, which can drive continued opioid use and treatment discontinuation. In addition, hyperalgesia is common among persons with OUD, yet few studies have examined the role of pain impact during OUD treatment. The purpose of the present study was to test whether opioid withdrawal and craving were elevated in the context of greater pain impact (i.e. greater pain intensity and interference), and whether these associations changed throughout treatment. METHODS Participants in residential OUD treatment (n = 24) wore wrist actigraphy to measure sleep and completed daily measures of pain impact, opioid withdrawal and opioid craving for up to 28 days. Mixed effects models were used to examine whether daily elevations in pain impact and sleep continuity were associated with withdrawal severity and opioid craving. RESULTS Elevations in withdrawal, but not craving, occurred on days when individuals reported higher scores on the pain impact scale. Associations between pain impact and withdrawal were present throughout treatment, but stronger during early treatment. In contrast, both withdrawal and opioid craving were elevated following nights of greater wake after sleep onset and awakenings, but these findings were often more pronounced in early treatment. CONCLUSIONS Pain impact and sleep disturbance are 2 factors associated with opioid withdrawal and opioid craving. Novel pharmacotherapies and scalable adjunctive interventions targeting sleep and pain impact should be tested in future work to improve OUD treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Han
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jami Mayo
- Ashley Addiction Treatment, Havre de Grace, Maryland, USA
| | - J Gregory Hobelmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Ashley Addiction Treatment, Havre de Grace, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick H Finan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Ashley Addiction Treatment, Havre de Grace, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reid MJ, Dunn KE, Abraham L, Ellis J, Hunt C, Gamaldo CE, Coon WG, Mun CJ, Strain EC, Smith MT, Finan PH, Huhn AS. Suvorexant alters dynamics of the sleep-electroencephalography-power spectrum and depressive-symptom trajectories during inpatient opioid withdrawal. Sleep 2024; 47:zsae025. [PMID: 38287879 PMCID: PMC11009034 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsae025] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Opioid withdrawal is an aversive experience that often exacerbates depressive symptoms and poor sleep. The aims of the present study were to examine the effects of suvorexant on oscillatory sleep-electroencephalography (EEG) band power during medically managed opioid withdrawal, and to examine their association with withdrawal severity and depressive symptoms. METHODS Participants with opioid use disorder (N = 38: age-range:21-63, 87% male, 45% white) underwent an 11-day buprenorphine taper, in which they were randomly assigned to suvorexant (20 mg [n = 14] or 40 mg [n = 12]), or placebo [n = 12], while ambulatory sleep-EEG data was collected. Linear mixed-effect models were used to explore: (1) main and interactive effects of drug group, and time on sleep-EEG band power, and (2) associations between sleep-EEG band power change, depressive symptoms, and withdrawal severity. RESULTS Oscillatory spectral power tended to be greater in the suvorexant groups. Over the course of the study, decreases in delta power were observed in all study groups (β = -189.082, d = -0.522, p = <0.005), increases in beta power (20 mg: β = 2.579, d = 0.413, p = 0.009 | 40 mg β = 5.265, d = 0.847, p < 0.001) alpha power (20 mg: β = 158.304, d = 0.397, p = 0.009 | 40 mg: β = 250.212, d = 0.601, p = 0.001) and sigma power (20 mg: β = 48.97, d = 0.410, p < 0.001 | 40 mg: β = 71.54, d = 0.568, p < 0.001) were observed in the two suvorexant groups. During the four-night taper, decreases in delta power were associated with decreases in depressive symptoms (20 mg: β = 190.90, d = 0.308, p = 0.99 | 40 mg: β = 433.33, d = 0.889 p = <0.001), and withdrawal severity (20 mg: β = 215.55, d = 0.034, p = 0.006 | 40 mg: β = 192.64, d = -0.854, p = <0.001), in both suvorexant groups and increases in sigma power were associated with decreases in withdrawal severity (20 mg: β = -357.84, d = -0.659, p = 0.004 | 40 mg: β = -906.35, d = -1.053, p = <0.001). Post-taper decreases in delta (20 mg: β = 740.58, d = 0.964 p = <0.001 | 40 mg: β = 662.23, d = 0.882, p = <0.001) and sigma power (20 mg only: β = 335.54, d = 0.560, p = 0.023) were associated with reduced depressive symptoms in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight a complex and nuanced relationship between sleep-EEG power and symptoms of depression and withdrawal. Changes in delta power may represent a mechanism influencing depressive symptoms and withdrawal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Reid
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liza Abraham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carly Hunt
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Charlene E Gamaldo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William G Coon
- Research and Exploratory Development Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chung Jung Mun
- Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Pheonix, AZ, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric C Strain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael T Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patrick H Finan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Downs AM, Kmiec G, McElligott ZA. Oral Fentanyl Consumption Alters Sleep Rhythms, Promotes Avoidance Behaviors, Impairs Fear Extinction Learning, and Alters Basolateral Amygdala Physiology in Male and Female Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.28.569085. [PMID: 38076868 PMCID: PMC10705490 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.569085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The number of opioid overdose deaths has increased over the past several years, mainly driven by an increase in the availability of highly potent synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, in the illicit drug supply. While many previous studies on fentanyl and other opioids have focused on intravenous administration, other routes of administration remain relatively understudied. Here, we used a drinking in the dark (DiD) paradigm to model oral fentanyl self-administration using increasing fentanyl concentrations in male and female mice over 5 weeks. Fentanyl consumption peaked in both female and male mice at the 30 µg/mL dose, with female mice consuming significantly more fentanyl than male mice. Mice consumed sufficient fentanyl such that withdrawal was precipitated with naloxone, with males having more severe withdrawal symptoms, despite lower pharmacological exposure. Fentanyl consumption disrupted normal sleep rhythms in both male and female mice. We also performed behavioral assays to measure avoidance behavior and reward-seeking during fentanyl abstinence. Female mice displayed more avoidance behaviors in the open field assay, whereas male mice showed evidence of these behaviors in the light/dark box assay. Female mice also exhibited increased reward-seeking in the sucrose preference test. Fentanyl-consuming mice of both sexes showed impaired cued fear extinction learning following fear conditioning and increased excitatory synaptic drive and increased excitability of BLA principal neurons. Our experiments demonstrate that long-term oral fentanyl consumption results in wide-ranging physiological and behavioral disruptions. This model could be useful to further study fentanyl withdrawal syndrome, fentanyl seeking, and behaviors associated with protracted fentanyl withdrawal.
Collapse
|
4
|
Esteve R, Barrado-Moreno V, Ramírez-Maestre C, Serrano-Ibáñez ER, de la Vega R, Ruiz-Párraga GT, Sainero-Tirado G, Fernández Baena M, Jensen M, López-Martínez AE. Psychological profiles and prescription opioid misuse, craving, and withdrawal in people with chronic pain. Eur J Pain 2024. [PMID: 38189159 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The negative consequences of prescription opioid misuse and opioid use disorder make it relevant to identify factors associated with this problem in individuals with chronic pain. This cross-sectional study aimed at identifying subgroups of people with chronic pain based on their psychological profiles, prescription opioid misuse, craving, and withdrawal. METHODS The sample comprised 185 individuals with chronic pain. We performed hierarchical cluster analysis on impulsivity, anxiety sensitivity, pain acceptance, pain intensity, opioid misuse, craving, and withdrawal. RESULTS The four-cluster solution was the optimal one. Misuse, craving, and anxiety sensitivity were higher among people in the Severe-problems cluster than among people in the other three clusters. Withdrawal was the highest in the High-withdrawal cluster. Impulsivity was higher among people in the Severe-problems and High-withdrawal clusters than those in the Moderate-problems and Mild-problems clusters. Pain acceptance was higher among people in the Mild-problems cluster than among people in the other three clusters. Anxiety sensitivity and misuse were higher among people in the Moderate-problems cluster than among people in the Mild-problems cluster. CONCLUSIONS These results support that impulsivity, anxiety sensitivity, and pain acceptance are useful constructs to identify subgroups of people with chronic pain according to their level of prescription opioid misuse, craving, and withdrawal. The results of this study may help in selecting the early intervention most suitable for each of the identified profiles. SIGNIFICANCE The psychological profile of individuals with chronic pain, prescription opioid misuse, craving, and withdrawal is characterized by fearing anxiety-related symptoms due to the catastrophic interpretation of such symptoms and reacting impulsively to negative moods. In contrast, participants with high pain acceptance had less prescription opioid misuse, craving, and withdrawal. The profiles identified in this study could help clinicians select targets for intervention among profiles with similar needs and facilitate early interventions to prevent opioid misuse onset or aggravation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Esteve
- Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - V Barrado-Moreno
- Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - C Ramírez-Maestre
- Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - E R Serrano-Ibáñez
- Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - R de la Vega
- Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - G T Ruiz-Párraga
- Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - G Sainero-Tirado
- Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | | | - M Jensen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - A E López-Martínez
- Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Olsen CM, Glaeser BL, Szabo A, Raff H, Everson CA. The effects of sleep restriction during abstinence on oxycodone seeking: Sex-dependent moderating effects of behavioral and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-related phenotypes. Physiol Behav 2023; 272:114372. [PMID: 37805135 PMCID: PMC10841994 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114372] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
During opioid use and abstinence, sleep disturbances are common and are thought to exacerbate drug craving. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that sleep restriction during abstinence from oxycodone self-administration would increase drug seeking during extinction and footshock reinstatement tests. We also performed behavioral phenotyping to determine if individual variation in responses to stressors and/or pain are associated with oxycodone seeking during abstinence, as stress, pain and sleep disturbance are often co-occurring phenomena. Sleep restriction during abstinence did not have selective effects on oxycodone seeking for either sex in extinction and footshock reinstatement tests. Some phenotypes were associated with drug seeking; these associations differed by sex and type of drug seeking assessment. In female rats, pain-related phenotypes were related to high levels of drug seeking during the initial extinction session. In male rats, lower anxiety-like behavior in the open field was associated with greater drug seeking, although this effect was lost when correcting for oxycodone intake. Adrenal sensitivity prior to oxycodone exposure was positively associated with footshock reinstatement in females. This work identifies sex-dependent relationships between HPA axis function and opioid seeking, indicating that HPA axis function could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of opioid use disorder, with tailored approaches based on sex. Sleep disturbance during abstinence did not appear to be a major contributing factor to opioid seeking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Olsen
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Breanna L Glaeser
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Aniko Szabo
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute for Health & Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Hershel Raff
- Department of Medicine (Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine), Surgery, and Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Carol A Everson
- Department of Medicine (Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine) and Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Celik M, Cosentino D, Fuehrlein B. Sleep-wake disorders in veterans with opioid use disorder: Prevalence and comorbidities. Sleep Health 2023; 9:889-892. [PMID: 37438174 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2023.05.012] [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] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of sleep-wake disorders among veterans with opioid use disorder (OUD) and the demographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, and outpatient medications in this group. METHODS US veterans seeking care in the VA Connecticut Healthcare System between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2021 with a diagnosis of OUD (N = 5937) were analyzed retrospectively for sleep-wake disorders (N = 1447). That group was analyzed for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and medications. RESULTS Of those with OUD, 24.4% had a diagnosis of any sleep-wake disorder. The most common was obstructive sleep apnea (73.7%). Major depressive disorder (68.6%) and hypertension (67.1%) were the most common comorbid conditions. Commonly prescribed medications included antidepressants (91%) and benzodiazepines (62%). CONCLUSIONS Veterans with OUD frequently suffer from sleep-wake disorders. Comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions and the detrimental effects of specific medication classes should be considered in this patient population to create more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Celik
- Mental Health Service Line, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Danielle Cosentino
- Medical Informatics, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brian Fuehrlein
- Mental Health Service Line, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Eglovitch M, Parlier-Ahmad AB, Legge C, Chithranjan S, Kolli S, Violante S, Dzierzewski JM, Huhn AS, Wilkerson A, Martin CE. Patient reported preferences for sleep interventions among women receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1244156. [PMID: 37779614 PMCID: PMC10537926 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1244156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Among individuals receiving medication for OUD (MOUD), insomnia is highly prevalent and increases the risk for negative OUD outcomes. However, little is known about MOUD patient-reported preferences for insomnia treatments among women with OUD. This mixed-methods study explored acceptability of and patient preferences for sleep interventions among women in OUD treatment. Methods This is an analysis from an ongoing cross-sectional survey and interview study investigating the relationship between sleep and OUD recovery. The parent study is actively enrolling non-pregnant women between 18-45 years stabilized on buprenorphine from an outpatient program. Participants complete measures including the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), with scores of ≥10 identifying clinically significant insomnia symptoms. A sub-sample who met this threshold completed semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were generated for survey responses, and applied thematic analysis was used for interview data. Results Participants selected for the qualitative interview (n = 11) highlighted prior positive and negative experiences with sleep treatments, challenges with employing non-pharmacological sleep strategies, and preferences for both medical and behavioral sleep interventions while in recovery. Women emphasized the need for flexibility of sleep therapy sessions to align with ongoing social determinants (e.g., caregiving responsibilities) as well as for sleep medications without sedating effects nor risk of dependency. Conclusions Many women receiving MOUD have concomitant insomnia symptoms, and desire availability of both pharmacologic and behavioral sleep interventions within the OUD treatment setting. Qualitative findings underscore the need for evidence-based sleep interventions that account for the unique socioenvironmental factors that may impact strategy implementation in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Eglovitch
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | | | - Catherine Legge
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Sajanee Chithranjan
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Saisriya Kolli
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Stephanie Violante
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | | | | | - Allison Wilkerson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Caitlin Eileen Martin
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Huhn AS, Ellis JD. Promoting sleep health to mitigate the risk of nonmedical opioid use and opioid-related adverse events. Sleep 2023; 46:zsad153. [PMID: 37246569 PMCID: PMC10485563 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer D Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Berezin CT, Bergum N, Torres Lopez GM, Vigh J. Morphine pharmacokinetics and opioid transporter expression at the blood-retina barrier of male and female mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1206104. [PMID: 37388441 PMCID: PMC10301758 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1206104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are effective analgesics for treating moderate to severe pain, however, their use must be weighed against their dangerous side effects. Investigations into opioid pharmacokinetics provide crucial information regarding both on- and off-target drug effects. Our recent work showed that morphine deposits and accumulates in the mouse retina at higher concentrations than in the brain upon chronic systemic exposure. We also found reduced retinal expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a major opioid extruder at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we systematically interrogated the expression of three putative opioid transporters at the blood-retina barrier (BRB): P-gp, breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) and multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2). Using immunohistochemistry, we found robust expression of P-gp and Bcrp, but not Mrp2, at the inner BRB of the mouse retina. Previous studies have suggested that P-gp expression may be regulated by sex hormones. However, upon acute morphine treatment we found no sex differences in morphine deposition levels in the retina or brain, nor on transporter expression in the retinas of males and females with a high or low estrogen:progesterone ratio. Importantly, we found that P-gp, but not Bcrp, expression significantly correlated with morphine concentration in the retina, suggesting P-gp is the predominant opioid transporter at the BRB. In addition, fluorescence extravasation studies revealed that chronic morphine treatment did not alter the permeability of either the BBB or BRB. Together, these data suggest that reduced P-gp expression mediates retinal morphine accumulation upon systemic delivery, and in turn, potential effects on circadian photoentrainment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey-Tyler Berezin
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Nikolas Bergum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Glenda M. Torres Lopez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jozsef Vigh
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Martin CE, Patel H, Dzierewski JM, Moeller FG, Bierut LJ, Grucza RA, Xu KY. Benzodiazepine, Z-drug, and sleep medication prescriptions in male and female people with opioid use disorder on buprenorphine and comorbid insomnia: an analysis of multistate insurance claims. Sleep 2023; 46:zsad083. [PMID: 36970994 PMCID: PMC10262036 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad083] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES In adult populations, women are more likely than men to be prescribed benzodiazepines. However, such disparities have not been investigated in people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and insomnia receiving buprenorphine, a population with particularly high sedative/hypnotic receipt. This retrospective cohort study used administrative claims data from Merative MarketScan Commercial and MultiState Medicaid Databases (2006-2016) to investigate sex differences in the receipt of insomnia medication prescriptions among patients in OUD treatment with buprenorphine. METHODS We included people aged 12-64 years with diagnoses of insomnia and OUD-initiating buprenorphine during the study timeframe. The predictor variable was sex (female versus male). The primary outcome was receipt of insomnia medication prescription within 60 days of buprenorphine start, encompassing benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, or non-sedative/hypnotic insomnia medications (e.g. hydroxyzine, trazodone, and mirtazapine). Associations between sex and benzodiazepine, Z-drug, and other insomnia medication prescription receipt were estimated using Poisson regression models. RESULTS Our sample included 9510 individuals (female n = 4637; male n = 4873) initiating buprenorphine for OUD who also had insomnia, of whom 6569 (69.1%) received benzodiazepines, 3891 (40.9%) Z-drugs, and 8441 (88.8%) non-sedative/hypnotic medications. Poisson regression models, adjusting for sex differences in psychiatric comorbidities, found female sex to be associated with a slightly increased likelihood of prescription receipt: benzodiazepines (risk ratio [RR], RR = 1.17 [1.11-1.23]), Z-drugs (RR = 1.26 [1.18-1.34]), and non-sedative/hypnotic insomnia medication (RR = 1.07, [1.02-1.12]). CONCLUSIONS Sleep medications are commonly being prescribed to individuals with insomnia in OUD treatment with buprenorphine, with sex-based disparities indicating a higher prescribing impact among female than male OUD treatment patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Martin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Hetal Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - F. Gerard Moeller
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Laura J Bierut
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Alvin J Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Richard A Grucza
- Departments of Family and Community Medicine and Health and Outcomes Research, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kevin Y Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hochheimer M, Strickland JC, Rabinowitz JA, Ellis JD, Bergeria CL, Hobelmann JG, Huhn AS. The impact of opioid-stimulant co-use on tonic and cue-induced craving. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:15-22. [PMID: 37301033 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The twin opioid-stimulant epidemics have led to increased overdose deaths and present unique challenges for individuals entering treatment with opioid-stimulant polysubstance use. This study examined tonic and cue-induced craving as a primary outcome among persons in substance use treatment who reported primary substances of opioids, methamphetamine, or cocaine. The sample consisted of 1974 individuals in 55 residential substance-use treatment centers in the United States in 2021. Weekly surveys were delivered via a third-party outcomes tracking system, including measures of tonic and cue-induced craving. Initial comparisons on tonic and cue-induced craving were made among those who primarily used opioids, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Further, the effect of opioid/stimulant polysubstance use on tonic and cue-induced craving was evaluated using marginal effect regression models. Primary methamphetamine use was associated with decreased tonic craving compared to primary opioid use (β = -5.63, p < 0.001) and primary cocaine use was also associate with decreased tonic craving compared to primary opioid use (β = -6.14, p < 0.001). Primary cocaine use was also associated with lower cue-induced cravings compared to primary opioid use (β = -0.53, p = 0.037). Opioid-methamphetamine polysubstance use was associated with higher tonic craving (β = 3.81, p = <0.001) and higher cue-induced craving (β = 1.55, p = 0.001); however, this was not the case for opioid-cocaine polysubstance use. The results of this study indicate that individuals who primarily use opioids and have secondary methamphetamine use experience higher cue-induced and tonic-induced craving, suggesting that these individuals may benefit from additional interventions that target craving and mitigate relapse risk and other negative sequelae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hochheimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jill A Rabinowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer D Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cecilia L Bergeria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - J Gregory Hobelmann
- Ashley Addiction Treatment, Havre de Grace, Maryland, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bedard ML, Lord JS, Perez PJ, Bravo IM, Teklezghi AT, Tarantino L, Diering G, McElligott ZA. Probing different paradigms of morphine withdrawal on sleep behavior in male and female C57BL/6J mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2022.04.06.487380. [PMID: 36415467 PMCID: PMC9681041 DOI: 10.1101/2022.04.06.487380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Opioid misuse has dramatically increased over the last few decades resulting in many people suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). The prevalence of opioid overdose has been driven by the development of new synthetic opioids, increased availability of prescription opioids, and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Coinciding with increases in exposure to opioids, the United States has also observed increases in multiple Narcan (naloxone) administrations as life-saving measures for respiratory depression, and, thus, consequently, naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. Sleep dysregulation is a main symptom of OUD and opioid withdrawal syndrome, and therefore, should be a key facet of animal models of OUD. Here we examine the effect of precipitated and spontaneous morphine withdrawal on sleep behaviors in C57BL/6J mice. We find that morphine administration and withdrawal dysregulate sleep, but not equally across morphine exposure paradigms. Furthermore, many environmental triggers promote relapse to drug-seeking/taking behavior, and the stress of disrupted sleep may fall into that category. We find that sleep deprivation dysregulates sleep in mice that had previous opioid withdrawal experience. Our data suggest that the 3-day precipitated withdrawal paradigm has the most profound effects on opioid-induced sleep dysregulation and further validates the construct of this model for opioid dependence and OUD. Highlights Morphine withdrawal differentially dysregulates the sleep of male and female mice3-day precipitated withdrawal results in larger changes than spontaneous withdrawalOpioid withdrawal affects responses to future sleep deprivation differently between sexes.
Collapse
|
13
|
µ-Opioid Receptors Expressed by Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells Contribute to Morphine-Induced Behavioral Sensitization. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415870. [PMID: 36555511 PMCID: PMC9781919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid drugs are the most effective tools for treating moderate to severe pain. Despite their analgesic efficacy, long-term opioid use can lead to drug tolerance, addiction, and sleep/wake disturbances. While the link between opioids and sleep/wake problems is well-documented, the mechanism underlying opioid-related sleep/wake problems remains largely unresolved. Importantly, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), the cells that transmit environmental light/dark information to the brain's sleep/circadian centers to regulate sleep/wake behavior, express μ-opioid receptors (MORs). In this study, we explored the potential contribution of ipRGCs to opioid-related sleep/circadian disruptions. Using implanted telemetry transmitters, we measured changes in horizontal locomotor activity and body temperature in mice over the course of a chronic morphine paradigm. Mice lacking MORs expressed by ipRGCs (McKO) exhibited reduced morphine-induced behavioral activation/sensitization compared with control littermates with normal patterns of MOR expression. Contrastingly, mice lacking MORs globally (MKO) did not acquire morphine-induced locomotor activation/sensitization. Control mice also showed morphine-induced hypothermia in both the light and dark phases, while McKO littermates only exhibited morphine-induced hypothermia in the dark. Interestingly, only control animals appeared to acquire tolerance to morphine's hypothermic effect. Morphine, however, did not acutely decrease the body temperature of MKO mice. These findings support the idea that MORs expressed by ipRGCs could contribute to opioid-related sleep/wake problems and thermoregulatory changes.
Collapse
|
14
|
Endogenous opioid signaling in the retina modulates sleep/wake activity in mice. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2022; 13:100078. [PMID: 35800978 PMCID: PMC9254600 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2022.100078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
|
15
|
Puig S, Shelton MA, Barko K, Seney ML, Logan RW. Sex-specific role of the circadian transcription factor NPAS2 in opioid tolerance, withdrawal and analgesia. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12829. [PMID: 36053258 PMCID: PMC9744556 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Opioids like fentanyl remain the mainstay treatment for chronic pain. Unfortunately, opioid's high dependence liability has led to the current opioid crisis, in part, because of side-effects that develop during long-term use, including analgesic tolerance and physical dependence. Both tolerance and dependence to opioids may lead to escalation of required doses to achieve previous therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, altered sleep and circadian rhythms are common in people on opioid therapy. Opioids impact sleep and circadian rhythms, while disruptions to sleep and circadian rhythms likely mediate the effects of opioids. However, the mechanisms underlying these bidirectional relationships between circadian rhythms and opioids remain largely unknown. The circadian protein, neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2), regulates circadian-dependent gene transcription in structure of the central nervous system that modulate opioids and pain. Here, male and female wild-type and NPAS2-deficient (NPAS2-/-) mice were used to investigate the role of NPAS2 in fentanyl analgesia, tolerance, hyperalgesia and physical dependence. Overall, thermal pain thresholds, acute analgesia and tolerance to a fixed dose of fentanyl were largely similar between wild-type and NPAS2-/- mice. However, female NPAS2-/- exhibited augmented analgesic tolerance and significantly more behavioral symptoms of physical dependence to fentanyl. Only male NPAS2-/- mice had increased fentanyl-induced hypersensitivity, when compared with wild-type males. Together, our findings suggest sex-specific effects of NPAS2 signaling in the regulation of fentanyl-induced tolerance, hyperalgesia and dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Puig
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsBoston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Micah A. Shelton
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Kelly Barko
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Marianne L. Seney
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ryan W. Logan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsBoston University School of MedicineBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Center for Systems NeuroscienceBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bergum N, Berezin CT, Vigh J. A retinal contribution to opioid-induced sleep disorders? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:981939. [PMID: 35992901 PMCID: PMC9388851 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.981939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic opioid use is linked to persistent and severe sleep/wake disturbances in patients. These opioid-related sleep problems increase risk for developing opioid dependence, mood disorders and in turn overdose in chronic pain patients receiving opioid therapy. Despite the well-established link between long-term opioid use and sleep disorders, the mechanism by which opioids perturb sleep remains unclear. Interestingly, animal studies indicate that opioids disrupt sleep/wake behaviors by altering an animal’s ability to synchronize their circadian rhythms to environmental light cycles (i.e., photoentrainment). A specific subset of retinal cells known as intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) that express μ-opioid receptors are exclusively responsible for transmitting environmental light information to sleep/circadian centers in the brain. Thus, this review will focus on the effect of opioids on ipRGCs and their projection regions that are involved in the photoentrainment of sleep/wake behaviors. Lastly, we discuss the viability of ipRGCs as a potential therapeutic target for treating opioid-related sleep/wake problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Bergum
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Casey-Tyler Berezin
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jozsef Vigh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Jozsef Vigh,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Objective sleep outcomes in randomized-controlled trials in persons with substance use disorders: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 237:109509. [PMID: 35660222 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109509] [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: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving sleep health is an important target for substance use disorder (SUD) research. However, there is little guidance for SUD researchers regarding the use of technologies to objectively assess sleep outcomes in randomized-controlled trials (RCTs). This systematic review aimed to describe the use of technologies to objectively measure sleep outcomes in RCTs conducted in persons with SUDs, in order to inform future sleep intervention studies in SUD populations. METHODS This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on May 7th, 2020 (CRD42020182004). RCTs were reviewed here if they were peer-reviewed manuscripts that included objective measures of sleep in RCTs that sought to improve sleep in persons with SUDs. RESULTS The initial search yielded 13,403 potential articles, with 27 meeting a priori criteria to be included in this review. The most common SUD was alcohol use disorder (59%). The most common technology used to assess sleep was polysomnography (41%), followed by actigraphy (37%), ambulatory polysomnography or components of polysomnography (e.g., electroencephalography; 19%), and at-home sleep apnea testing (7%). The most common sleep outcome reported was total sleep time (96%). CONCLUSIONS There are a range of options to assess objective sleep outcomes. Polysomnography or ambulatory devices that directly measure brain activity are critical to advance medications through the regulatory process for the indication of improving sleep duration, continuity, and/or sleep onset latency outcomes. Actigraphy is also useful in preliminary investigations and in detecting the relationship between diurnal and SUD-related behaviors.
Collapse
|
18
|
Huhn AS, Ellis JD, Dunn KE, Sholler DJ, Tabaschek P, Burns R, Strain EC. Patient-reported sleep outcomes in randomized-controlled trials in persons with substance use disorders: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 237:109508. [PMID: 35660223 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disturbances and disorders are a common and sometimes recalcitrant problem in persons recovering from substance use disorders (SUDs). As such, several randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to address sleep disturbances in a variety of SUD subpopulations and clinical scenarios. The goal of this systematic review was to collate patient-reported sleep outcomes used in past SUD-related RCTs to provide guidance for future sleep research in persons with SUDs. METHODS This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on May 7th, 2020 (CRD42020182004). Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed manuscripts describing RCTs in an SUD population. RESULTS The initial search yielded 13,403 candidate articles, and 76 met a priori criteria and were included in this review. Thirty-five (46.1%) assessed sleep as a primary outcome (i.e., sleep improvement was the primary goal of the research) and 41 (53.9%) assessed sleep as a secondary outcome (i.e., sleep improvement was an important outcome, but not the primary outcome). The most commonly used measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Insomnia Severity Index, and sleep diaries. However, multiple additional sleep assessments were also used, including visual analogue and Likert scales. CONCLUSIONS The field of addiction medicine would benefit from a streamlined approach in assessing patient-reported sleep in RCTs, including commonly used and validated assessments of sleep quality, inserting daily or repeated measures into RCTs, and including questionnaires that assess clinically relevant insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Jennifer D Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Dennis J Sholler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Paula Tabaschek
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Rachel Burns
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Eric C Strain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Huhn AS, Finan PH, Gamaldo CE, Hammond AS, Umbricht A, Bergeria CL, Strain EC, Dunn KE. Suvorexant ameliorated sleep disturbance, opioid withdrawal, and craving during a buprenorphine taper. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabn8238. [PMID: 35731889 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn8238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Increased orexin/hypocretin signaling is implicated in opioid withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and drug-seeking behaviors. This study examined whether a dual-orexin receptor antagonist would improve sleep and withdrawal outcomes when compared with placebo during a buprenorphine/naloxone taper. Thirty-eight participants with opioid use disorder were recruited to a clinical research unit and maintained on 8/2 to 16/4 mg of buprenorphine/naloxone treatment for 3 days before being randomized to 20 mg of suvorexant (n = 14), 40 mg of suvorexant (n = 12), or placebo (n = 12); 26 individuals completed the study. After randomization, participants underwent a 4-day buprenorphine/naloxone taper and 4-day post-taper observation period. Total sleep time (TST) was collected nightly with a wireless electroencephalography device and wrist-worn actigraphy; opioid withdrawal symptoms were assessed via the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS); and abuse potential was assessed on a 0- to 100-point visual analog scale of "High" every morning. A priori outcomes included two-group (collapsing suvorexant doses versus placebo) and three-group comparisons of area-under-the-curve (AUC) scores for TST, SOWS, and High. In two-group comparisons, participants receiving suvorexant displayed increased TST during the buprenorphine/naloxone taper and decreased SOWS during the post-taper period. In three-group comparisons, participants receiving 20 mg of suvorexant versus placebo displayed increased AUC for TST during the buprenorphine/naloxone taper, but there was no difference in SOWS among groups. There was no evidence of abuse potential in two- or three-group analyses. The results suggest that suvorexant might be a promising treatment for sleep and opioid withdrawal in individuals undergoing a buprenorphine/naloxone taper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Patrick H Finan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Charlene E Gamaldo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Alexis S Hammond
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Annie Umbricht
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Cecilia L Bergeria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Eric C Strain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ellis JD, Mayo JL, Finan PH, Gamaldo CE, Huhn AS. Clinical correlates of drug-related dreams in opioid use disorder. Am J Addict 2022; 31:37-45. [PMID: 34459058 PMCID: PMC8799484 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Drug-related dreams are commonly reported by individuals in treatment for substance use disorders, which may be distressing. Existing evidence suggests that dream recollection may be influenced by clinically relevant phenomena, such as opioid use and withdrawal, general sleep disturbance, affective symptoms, and chronic pain. However, very few studies have explored drug-related dreams among individuals who screened positive for opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS Adults recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) who screened positive for OUD (N = 154) completed a questionnaire about drug-related dreams, as well as measures assessing sleep, opioid use history, stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. χ2 analyses, one-way analysis of variance, and bivariate correlations, correcting for the false discovery rate, were used as appropriate to explore correlates of (1) recollecting a drug-related dream, and (2) experiencing post-dream craving and distress. RESULTS Individuals who recollected a past-week drug-related dream were more likely to report other recent sleep disturbances, including poorer sleep quality, greater insomnia symptoms, and a higher risk for sleep apnea. Post-dream craving and distress were both associated with greater insomnia symptoms, poor sleep hygiene behaviors, and greater anxiety symptoms. Individuals who had ever experienced a drug-related dream (recently, or in their lifetime) were more likely to report a history of severe withdrawal, overdose, and intravenous opioid use. CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Drug-related dreams were common among individuals in the present sample and were related to other clinically relevant phenomena. Interventions that treat co-occurring OUD, pain, sleep symptoms, and affective symptoms may improve overall well-being in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D. Ellis
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jami L. Mayo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baltimore, MD
| | - Patrick H. Finan
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baltimore, MD
| | - Charlene E. Gamaldo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baltimore, MD,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD
| | - Andrew S. Huhn
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baltimore, MD
| |
Collapse
|