Review
Psychiatry
Elif Engin
Summary: Benzodiazepines have been widely used for many years, but their side effects and abuse potential have led to the search for alternatives. The development of subtype-selective benzodiazepine-like drugs is currently being explored, although it is uncertain whether these strategies can reduce misuse and abuse potential.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joanna Hockenhull, Joshua C. Black, Colleen M. Haynes, Karilynn Rockhill, Paul I. Dargan, Richard C. Dart, David M. Wood
Summary: The study estimated the prevalence of nonmedical use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in the UK, with a focus on acquisition methods and overlaps with illicit drug use. Results showed a low overlap between benzodiazepine and Z-drug nonmedical use, indicating distinct patterns of use. Further research is needed to explore reasons for nonmedical use, especially the acquisition of drugs without prescriptions, and the potential risks associated with combining benzodiazepines and other substances. There is a lack of data on concurrent nonmedical use of benzodiazepines and stimulant drugs or Z-drugs and opioids, highlighting the need for more investigation in this area.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Roland Lawson, Petra Cechova, Elies Zarrouk, James Javellaud, Vaclav Bazgier, Michal Otyepka, Patrick Trouillas, Nicolas Picard, Pierre Marquet, Franck Saint-Marcoux, Souleiman El Balkhi
Summary: The study found that acute doses of diazepam or diclazepam result in the accumulation of oxycodone, while chronic administration leads to the accumulation of toxic metabolite oxymorphone. This highlights the significant metabolic interactions that contribute to the overdose of opioids in conjunction with benzodiazepines.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Clemens Muehlan, Sander Brooks, Cedric Vaillant, Michael Meinel, Gabriel E. Jacobs, Rob G. Zuiker, Jasper Dingemanse
Summary: This study examined the effects of daridorexant on driving performance and found that it impaired simulated driving after initial dosing, but not after repeated dosing, in non-insomnia subjects. Users should exercise caution when driving after taking this medication.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria Perello, Karla Rio-Aige, Pilar Rius, Guillermo Bagaria, Anna M. Jambrina, Montse Girones, Francisco Jose Perez-Cano, Manel Rabanal
Summary: This study observed the situation of prescription drug abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that although the abuse problem did not significantly increase, there was a significant decrease during the first lockdown period. In addition, the proportion of younger people using benzodiazepines and fentanyl increased, which may be related to the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leisheng Shi, Yan Wang, Chong Li, Kunlin Zhang, Quansheng Du, Mei Zhao
Summary: AddictGene is a resource that integrates multidimensional data related to commonly abused substances, including gene expression, gene-gene interaction, gene-drug interaction, and epigenetic regulatory information. This database provides detailed information about differentially expressed genes, offering a valuable resource for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying addiction.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Tatiane Teru Takahashi, Raffaele Ornello, Giuseppe Quatrosi, Angelo Torrente, Maria Albanese, Simone Vigneri, Martina Guglielmetti, Cristiano Maria De Marco, Camille Dutordoir, Enrico Colangeli, Matteo Fuccaro, Davide Di Lenola, Valerio Spuntarelli, Laura Pilati, Salvatore Di Marco, Annelies Van Dycke, Ramla Abuukar Abdullahi, Antoinette Maassen van den Brink, Paolo Martelletti
Summary: Chronic headaches are common in migraineurs and can progress to medication overuse headache (MOH). MOH is caused by overuse of painkillers or other medications. While head pain symptoms associated with medication overuse generally improve after stopping regular medication use, behavioral issues such as drug dependence may still persist.
JOURNAL OF HEADACHE AND PAIN
(2021)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Teresa T. T. Ho, Melissa Noble, Bao Anh Tran, Katlynd Sunjic, Sheeba Varghese Gupta, Jacques Turgeon, Rustin D. D. Crutchley
Summary: Diazepam is commonly used to manage severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome, but some patients experience refractory withdrawal syndromes or adverse reactions. The genetic variants in the CYP2C19 gene have an impact on the pharmacokinetics of diazepam and treatment outcomes for alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Laura E. McKillop, Simon P. Fisher, Linus Milinski, Lukas B. Krone, Vladyslav V. Vyazovskiy
Summary: This study found that the amplitude of individual LFP slow waves was significantly reduced after the administration of benzodiazepines such as diazepam, along with a lower incidence and duration of corresponding neuronal OFF periods, possibly due to a disruption in the synchronisation of cortical neurons. The data suggest that the brain state induced by benzodiazepines differs qualitatively from spontaneous physiological sleep, indicating a dissociation between global sleep state and local cortical synchrony.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Andrology
David Tolulope Oluwole, Roland Eghoghosoa Akhigbe, Ayodeji Folorunsho Ajayi
Summary: The study shows that Rohypnol has a significant impact on sexual behavior in male rats, leading to sexual dysfunction possibly through suppression of hormone levels and disruption of the reproductive axis. This suggests that Rohypnol may be a potential candidate for drug-induced infertility.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wui Ling Chan, David M. Wood, Paul I. Dargan
Summary: The misuse of prescription medicine, particularly opioids, has become a major public health concern in many developed countries such as the USA and Australia. Limited available information suggests that prescription medicine misuse is also likely to be an issue in the Asia-Pacific region, with similar prevalence rates and commonly misused medicines as in other countries. Further studies are needed to determine the overall prevalence of misuse, associated harms, and sources of drugs being misused in order to implement appropriate interventions.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anthony A. Olashore, Saeeda Paruk, Taboka Maphorisa, Boitshepo Mosupiemang
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of substance use and substance use disorders (SUDs) among adolescents in public schools in Gaborone, Botswana. The results showed a high prevalence of substance use, with alcohol being the most commonly used substance. Factors such as gender, having friends or fathers who use substances, and higher levels of personality disorders were significantly associated with SUD. Regular participation in religious activities was negatively correlated with SUD.
Review
Neurosciences
Nicolo Schifano, Stefania Chiappini, Alessio Mosca, Andrea Miuli, Maria Chiara Santovito, Mauro Pettorruso, Paolo Capogrosso, Federico Deho, Giovanni Martinotti, Fabrizio Schifano
Summary: This review aims to explore the association between recreational drug misuse and decline in male fertility levels. Currently, there is controversy regarding the impact of cannabis on spermatogenesis, while the effects of opiate, cocaine, and amphetamine/stimulant misuse on human reproduction are still unclear.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ty S. Schepis, Linda Wastila, Sean Esteban McCabe
Summary: Individuals with positive family history (FHP) for substance use problems are at increased risk for substance use disorders and psychopathology. This study investigates the prevalence of prescription drug misuse (PDM) in adults aged 50 and older with FHP status.
AGING & MENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Harkishan Mamtani, Santosh K. Chaturvedi
Summary: This commentary critically analyzes the use of alprazolam, highlighting its potential for abuse and dependence as the most concerning adverse reaction. Alternate pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for anxiety and insomnia may be safer options than alprazolam. However, it may still be an appropriate choice for individuals without a history of substance abuse.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Danielle McCartney, Ashling D. Isik, Kieron Rooney, Jonathon C. Arnold, Delwyn J. Bartlett, Bridin Murnion, Elisha Richards, Thomas R. Arkell, Nicholas Lintzeris, Iain S. McGregor
Summary: During cannabis withdrawal, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may help alleviate sleep disturbances. Cycling exercise can improve sleep duration and efficiency compared to the control stretching routine.
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Bridin Murnion, Anupreet Dhaliwal, Julian Alsop
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine patient characteristics of those attending/not attending for elective in-patient withdrawal management. Results showed that attendance was predicted by planned rehabilitation treatment and older age, while individuals using amphetamines were less likely to attend. Patients with younger age, amphetamine use, and no rehabilitation plan were more likely to have lower attendance rates. Further research is needed to improve attendance in this population.
AUSTRALASIAN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Review
Anesthesiology
Bridin P. Murnion, Apo Demirkol
Summary: Opioid misuse is a common issue that can be managed through opioid agonist treatment. The perioperative period is an opportunity to address pre-existing opioid misuse and reduce the risk of opioid use disorder. Challenges in managing acute perioperative pain or intensive care patients receiving opioid agonist treatment include opioid tolerance and ongoing prescribing. This article provides a framework to identify and manage emerging opioid misuse, assess overdose risk, and coordinate care for patients on opioid agonist treatment.
ANAESTHESIA AND INTENSIVE CARE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Bridin P. Murnion, Darren M. Roberts
MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA
(2022)
Review
Substance Abuse
Emma Tay, Wing Kwan Winky Lo, Bridin Murnion
Summary: This narrative review provides a summary of the pharmacology, patterns of use, potential harms, and management of recreational GHB use. GHB has complex interactions with GABA and its toxicity is dose-dependent. Withdrawal management often involves benzodiazepines. Chronic use is associated with health issues.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND REHABILITATION
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nazila Jamshidi, Akshay Athavale, Christopher Tremonti, Catherine McDonald, Shanmugam Banukumar, Santiago Vazquez, Natasha Luquin, Marina Santiago, Bridin Murnion
Summary: This study aimed to identify factors associated with a negative urine drug screen for buprenorphine in opioid agonist treatment patients. The study found that 57% of tested samples yielded a negative result, but it cannot be assumed that these patients have poor adherence to treatment.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Suzanne Nielsen, Louisa Picco, Bridin Murnion, Bryony Winters, Justin Matheson, Myfanwy Graham, Gabrielle Campbell, Laila Parvaresh, Kok-Eng Khor, Brigid Betz-Stablein, Michael Farrell, Nicholas Lintzeris, Bernard Le Foll
Summary: Cannabinoid co-administration may potentially reduce opioid doses for analgesia, as shown in preclinical studies. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials did not provide evidence of opioid-sparing effects in acute and cancer pain. Observational studies indicated that a certain proportion of individuals reduced or ceased opioid use.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Substance Abuse
Rhiannon Dowla, Hulya Sinmaz, Yorgi Mavros, Bridin Murnion, Elizabeth Cayanan, Kieron Rooney
Summary: Exercise shows promising effects on improving quality of life and mood in individuals with substance use disorder, although further research with rigorous methodologies is needed to confirm these results.
SUBSTANCE USE & MISUSE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Substance Abuse
Bridin Murnion, Andrea Schaffer, Rose Cairns, Jonathan Brett
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Myfanwy Graham, Jennifer H. Martin, Catherine J. Lucas, Bridin Murnion, Jennifer Schneider
Summary: This article aims to determine the dose range at which clinically relevant cannabidiol drug interactions are likely to occur and provide clinical guidance. Although there are limitations in specific dose-response data and individual pharmacokinetic profiles for individual patients, clinicians should have an understanding of cannabinoid pharmacology and engage in clinical and therapeutic drug monitoring.
EXPERT REVIEW OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Jana Stojanova, Jane E. Carland, Bridin Murnion, Vincent Seah, Jim Siderov, Florian Lemaitre
Summary: Pharmacological therapy is the main treatment for cancer patients, but dosing based on body size is still the predominant approach. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in oncology remains insufficient, with a lack of studies related to clinical outcomes. Therefore, there is a need to fill the evidence gaps and improve the uptake of TDM in oncology.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paul K. L. Chin, Kellie Charles, Bridin Murnion, Treasure M. McGuire, Sarah N. Hilmer, Jennifer Martin, David Reith, David Joyce, Catherine Lucas, Nick Holford, Richard Day, Jennifer Schneider, Matthew Doogue, Catherine H. Han, Sarah Herd, Claire Harrison, Deborah O'Mara
Summary: The study investigated the implementation, student performance, and acceptability of the Prescribing Skills Assessment (PSA) for final-year medical students in Australia and New Zealand. The results showed high pass rates and positive feedback from students, but concerns about student preparedness need further investigation.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Catherine Lobbe, Jade Bahnisch, Chenxi Lin, Apo Demirkol, Bridin Murnion
Summary: This study investigates the experience, knowledge, and attitudes of patients and clinicians in two public Australian opioid agonist treatment (OAT) clinics towards smoking cessation medications (nicotine replacement therapy [NRT], bupropion, and varenicline) and e-cigarettes. The findings show that patients prefer e-cigarettes but are more likely to consider using NRT. Patients report high rates of tobacco cessation planning but low rates of intervention. Clinicians are aware of the high prevalence of tobacco use but have low rates of smoking cessation interventions. Improving knowledge about tobacco cessation medications among patients and clinicians could enhance smoking cessation interventions and the usage of approved medications.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bridin Murnion, Jane E. Carland, Meryem Jefferies, Michael Au, Marguerite Tracy
Summary: This study reports on the strategies implemented by a drug and alcohol service in Sydney, Australia to enhance COVID-19 vaccination in people receiving opioid agonist treatment. The results show high rates of vaccination in this vulnerable population, with engaged staff and effective communication playing a crucial role in the success of vaccination interventions.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Aili Langford, Christine C. W. Lin, Lisa Bero, Fiona M. Blyth, Jason Doctor, Simon Holliday, Yun-Hee Jeon, Joanna Moullin, Bridin Murnion, Suzanne Nielsen, Rawa Osman, Jonathan Penm, Emily Reeve, Sharon Reid, Janet Wale, Carl R. Schneider, Danijela Gnjidic
Summary: "Deprescribing of opioid analgesics based on evidence-based clinical practice guidelines" is a guideline developed using robust processes and GRADE methodology, providing recommendations for deprescribing opioids in adults. The recommendations cover when, how, and for whom deprescribing should be considered, emphasizing the importance of individual goals, values, and preferences. These guidelines aim to improve the quality of care for patients using opioids for pain.
MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA
(2023)
