Addiction
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Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid prescription drug approved in Canada since 1981 to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. In recent years, off-label use of nabilone for chronic pain management has increased, and physicians have begun to express concerns about nabilone becoming a drug of abuse. This study evaluates the evidence for abuse of nabilone, which is currently ill-defined. ⋯ Reports of nabilone abuse are extremely rare. However, follow-up of patients using nabilone for therapeutic purposes is prudent and should include assessment of tolerance and dependence. Prospective studies are also needed to definitively address the issue of nabilone abuse.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Reduced nicotine content cigarettes: effects on toxicant exposure, dependence and cessation.
To examine the effects of reduced nicotine cigarettes on smoking behavior, toxicant exposure, dependence and abstinence. ⋯ The 0.05 mg nicotine yield cigarettes may be a tobacco product that can facilitate cessation; however, future research is clearly needed to support these preliminary findings.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Pregabalin, tiapride and lorazepam in alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a multi-centre, randomized, single-blind comparison trial.
The aim of this trial was to compare lorazepam with non-benzodiazepine medications such as pregabalin and tiapride in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). These drugs were chosen for their inhibitorial effects on the hypersecretion of neurotransmitters usually observed in AWS. Craving reduction and improvement of psychiatric symptoms were the secondary end-points. ⋯ All the medications in the trial showed evidence of safety and efficacy in the treatment of uncomplicated forms of AWS, with some particular differences. The efficacy of pregabalin was superior to that of tiapride, used largely in research trials and, for some measures, to that of the 'gold standard', lorazepam. Accordingly, pregabalin may be considered as a potentially useful new drug for treatment of AWS, deserving further investigation.
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Injecting drug users are a high-risk population for hepatitis B (HBV), but are difficult to engage in vaccination programmes. This study examines the completion rates of a HBV vaccination schedule and seroconversion in a group of patients in methadone maintenance treatment. ⋯ While there was a high rate of completion of the rapid vaccination schedule in this population, a moderate seroconversion rate was achieved. Further work is required to identify an optimal vaccination schedule in opioid substitution patients.