The Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society
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Comparative Study Controlled Clinical Trial
The effect of cigarette smoking on hydrocodone efficacy in chronic pain patients.
Hydrocodone is frequently prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Nicotine has analgesic properties and it is hypothesized that cigarette smoking might decrease the dosage of hydrocodone needed for the relief of chronic pain. ⋯ This study concluded that the dose of hydrocodone consumed did not statistically differ between the two Groups. Smokers however, had significantly less pain relief than nonsmokers.
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In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated nearly 6,000 distracted driver fatalities and 515,000 injuries in the United States alone. Distracted driving is a worldwide problem that needs to be addressed. Software is available to disable cell phone usage while driving, but using the advanced technology may require legislation along with a renewed sense of driver responsibility.