Opioids

With the increased risk of birth defects associated with opioid analgesics used early in pregnancy, each woman has to decide if the benefits of using these medications outweigh the risk to her unborn baby.

The signs and symptoms of opioid overdose can be scary, but there are also some less known symptoms that simply mask as side effects.

The Food and Drug Administration is in the process of developing REMS to help prevent the misuse, abuse, and accidental overdose of pain medication.

Prescription drug abuse is reaching epidemic proportions. What exactly is opioids and why are they so addicting?

What prescription drugs are being abused and why? Chances are, you have one or more of these drugs in your medicine cabinet right now.

A study conducted at the University of Michigan researched whether chocolate activates the making of opioids. Opioids are chemicals, found in drugs such as opium, which create the emotion of ecstasy.

According to this research, using long-acting opioids for more than 30 days (on a daily basis) reduce hormonal function leading to sexual dysfunctional problems.

When providing elder care, one of the most important roles may involve limiting use of opioids and pain medications and, instead, promote natural alternatives to healing and managing chronic pain.

For many Americans, abuse of prescription opioids is quite common. To improve treatment, the FDA allows for physicians who are certified to prescribe buprenorphine on an outpatient basis following in-office evaluation

Here's another reason to get exercise every day - researchers have found that vigorous exercise protects our heart from heart attacks. Credit the endorphins and opioids our body releases.

For individuals who suffer from chronic pain and use opioids, there is a risk for developing either intolerance or hyperalgesia.

If you suffer from illness or injury, it is important to know what your acute pain treatment options are before accepting a doctor's order for pain relief.

For many parents, the use of opioids in their children is of great concern in terms of the risk for developing addiction and tolerance.

Prescription drug deaths have increased by four-fold.

This article talks about Butrans, which is a strong opiod pain medication and possible side effects.

Methadone has become a very popular drug to treat narcotic addictions and for alleviating pain.

Recently, I have had more patients coming in trying to get prescriptions for narcotics (opioids). These are some of the things that have happened in my office. Conservative, middle American me, used to be surprised. Now I'm "on to these people".

Breakthrough pain can be sudden in onset and the pain very severe. If untreated or treated inadequately, BTP is often a disabling problem for patients with cancer.

A look at the dangers associated with taking prescription methadone along with some of the more serious side effects.

Hydromorphone drugs such as Dilaudid have long been prescribed to treat chronic pain conditions. But just how safe and reliable are these drugs?

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that is derived from morphine (which is used in patients who require round-the-clock pain relief)- however heroin is not legal, but provides similar effects.

Methadone is a synthetic opioid, that is used medically as an analgesic (a group of drugs used to reduce pain). It was first brought to the market by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company. It was first synthesized in 1937.