Prescription Drugs & Cold Medicines

In a perfect world, doctors would be able to identify patients who are prone to opioid addiction and prescribe them non-opioid painkillers that wouldn’t lead to dependence. For years, researchers have been trying to advance care to this point by looking for genes that contribute to addiction. There are currently a number of potential candidates,…

Researchers in England and Wales have correlating the rising number of opioid overdose deaths with a recent increase in pregabalin and gabapentin prescriptions. If you are struggling with opioid use disorder, please call us today at 504-510-2331.   Read more about the correlative study here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170511113513.htm

Panic and confusion about the opioid endemic are causing the rapid spread of misinformation throughout the United States. Here we debunk some of the most common misconceptions about opioid abuse, especially as it relates to chronic pain.   1. “Addiction” is the same as “physical dependence” or “tolerance.” Addiction is a disease made up of…

For the first time in 20 years, experts are reporting a decrease in the number of written opioid prescriptions. The hope is that this reduction signals a turning point in the opioid epidemic, that perhaps prescription guidelines and warnings about the dangers of addiction are resonating in the medical community. This decrease has not been…

Physicians are being asked to change their practices and their mentalities regarding prescription painkillers. Opioids have revolutionized the way we treat pain in America, but they have also brought on a plethora of dangers and negative consequences. Doctors need to consider each patient’s addiction risk factors and medical needs thoroughly before pulling out the prescription…

Medicine cannot be considered a strictly formulaic field; medical professionals must consider each individual holistically in order to make appropriate decisions regarding opioids. There are physicians on both sides of the spectrum: some are “pill-pushers” who prescribe opioids for every case of pain they encounter, while others are so stingy about prescribing painkillers that they…

The FDA has taken a big step in the fight against opioid overdose, adding black box warnings to immediate release opioid painkillers including oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and other related drugs. These warning labels caution that use leads to an increased risk of abuse, addiction, overdose, and death. The hope is that these warnings will remind…

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Last year more than 3,800 federal, state and local organizations took in more than 702,000 pounds of unused, expired or unwanted drugs…

Teen athletes are frequently prescribed narcotics for sports-related injuries, making them prime candidates for opioid addiction and abuse. One study indicated that this demographic is 50% more likely to abuse prescription painkillers than their non-athletic peers. This shocking statistic can be attributed in part to their desire to get back to the sport as soon…

Dream Journal Volume XXXIV / NOV 2015 Note from Dr. B. The ongoing opioid overdose crisis has prompted the CDC to take action in the form of developing new guidelines for qualified prescribers. First and foremost, the CDC stresses that opioid therapy should be utilized only if all other treatment options have been exhausted. Opioids can…