Posts Tagged ‘withdrawal’
Reducing dosage of Parkinson’s drugs can cause symptoms similar to those of cocaine withdrawal
New research has shown that reducing the dosage of dopamine agonist drugs, a mainstay treatment for Parkinson’s disease, sometimes causes acute withdrawal symptoms similar to those reported by cocaine addicts, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, sweating, nausea, generalized pain, fatigue, dizziness and drug cravings. These symptoms can be severe, and are not alleviated by other PD medications. For the first time, researchers have defined this phenomenon, which they call dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome, or DAWS.
Abrupt Opioid Withdrawal Increases Pain Sensitivity
The abrupt withdrawal of morphine-like analgesics – opioids – can increase sensitivity to pain. Experiments have now shown that this effect is caused by a memory-like process, the long-term potentiation of synaptic strength in the spinal cord. The study, which was supported by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, also found ways of avoiding this increase in pain sensitivity. These pioneering results have now been published in the prestigious journal Science.
European Medicines Agency Recommends Withdrawal Of Dextropropoxyphene-containing Medicines
Finalising a review of the safety and efficacy of dextropropoxyphene-containing medicines, the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) concluded that their risks, particularly the risk of potentially fatal overdose, are greater than their benefits. The Committee therefore recommended that the marketing authorisations for these medicines be withdrawn across the European Union.
Withdrawal Of Co-proxamol Linked To Reduction In Suicides And Accidental Poisonings, UK
Withdrawal of the painkiller co-proxamol from the UK market has led to a major reduction in suicides and accidental poisonings involving the drug, without an increase in deaths from other painkillers, finds research published on bmj.com today. Co-proxamol was the most commonly prescribed drug used in suicides and was responsible for 766 deaths between 1997 and 1999 in England and Wales.
Caffeine Withdrawal Examined
Ever miss your daily cup of coffee and subsequently get a pounding headache? According to reports from consumers of coffee and other caffeinated products, caffeine withdrawal is often characterized by a headache, fatigue, feeling less alert, less energetic and experiencing difficulty concentrating. Stacey Sigmon, Ph.D.
CQ’s Carey Discusses CHIP, Economic Stimulus, Effects Of Daschle Withdrawal
CQ HealthBeat Associate Editor Mary Agnes Carey discusses the signing of a bill to renew and expand CHIP to four million additional children, the Senate’s ongoing efforts to pass an economic stimulus bill and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle’s (D-S.D.) withdrawal of his nomination for HHS secretary in this week’s ”
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