Articles: narcotic-antagonists.
-
One approach to preventing opioid overdose, a leading cause of premature, preventable mortality, is to provide overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND). Two outstanding issues for OEND implementation include 1) the dissemination of OEND training from trained to untrained community members; and 2) the concern that OEND provides active substance users with a false sense of security resulting in increased opioid use. ⋯ Among 4926 substance users who participated in OEND, 373(7.6%) reported administering naloxone during an overdose rescue. We found few differences in behavior between trained and untrained overdose rescuers. Prospective studies will be needed to determine the optimal level of training and whether naloxone rescue kits can meet an over-the-counter standard. With no clear evidence of increased heroin use, this concern should not impede expansion of OEND programs or policies that support them.
-
La Clinica terapeutica · Jan 2014
[The management of post-surgical pain in the patient treated for hallux valgus with percutaneous and minimally invasive technique].
In today's literature there are no defined guidelines for the treatment of postoperative pain in corrective surgery of hallux valgus. In this study we evaluated the use of a new treatment protocol designed to minimize the postoperative pain related to the surgical treatment of hallux valgus. ⋯ The co-administration of an anti-cox2 and an opioid in the first postoperative hours is useful to reduce soft tissue swelling and to control pain without causing significant side effects. The therapeutic protocol adopted, along with an adequate anesthesiological approach, has proved to be very effective for pain management in peri-and post-operative treatment of hallux valgus.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Paramedic-supplied 'Take Home' Naloxone: protocol for cluster randomised feasibility study.
'Take Home' Naloxone (THN) kits for use by peers in the event of an opioid overdose may reduce further overdose and deaths, but distribution through Drugs Services may not reach those at highest risk. Attendance by paramedics at emergency calls for patients who have suffered an overdose presents an opportunity to distribute THN kits. In this feasibility study we will assess the acceptability of this intervention, and gather data to inform definitive trial planning. ⋯ Ethical approval for this study was granted on 7 December 2011, by South East Wales Research Ethics Committee, Panel C. Results of this study will be reported through peer-reviewed scientific journals, conference presentations and internal organisational report. We will also seek to report our findings through local and national substance misuse networks and publications.
-
Interviews with fourteen opioid retail pill sellers provides an exploration into the diversion and diffusion of Suboxone to recreational ("week-end warriors") drug users. The use of social media and electronic devices enables the diffusion of Suboxone to dependent and non-dependent opiate/opioid drug abusers. ⋯ The diversion and the diffusion of Suboxone have the potential to delay entrance into drug treatment and promote the misuse of the drug by both dependent opiate/opioid drug abusers and recreational users. The dilemma posed by Suboxone maintenance treatment will not be easily addressed or mitigated in the near future.