Pain
From the Journals
Arthritis prevalent in older adults with any degree of depression
Older patients with depressive symptoms should be screened for arthritis-related pain.
From the Journals
Cannabinoids may raise pain tolerance, not relieve pain itself
The pain relief that some patients experience from cannabinoids might be driven largely by an “affective rather than a sensory component.”
From the Journals
Opioid use predicts longer sleep latency in chronic pain patients
Adults taking opioids for low levels of chronic pain reported greater difficulty falling asleep, compared with those who didn’t use opioids.
Latest News
Confirmed: Growth in overdose deaths is exponential
Opioid epidemic appears to be “the most recent manifestation of a more fundamental, longer-term process.”
News from the FDA/CDC
FDA issues new REMS for immediate-release opioids
For the first time, training will be made available to health care providers, nurses, and pharmacists involved in pain management.
Daily News Podcast
Physician burnout singes patient safety
And stroke guidelines set a higher thrombectomy bar.
Conference Coverage
More than half of urine drug screens showed improper medication use
LAS VEGAS – One sample in every five showed a combination of opioids and benzodiazepines, at least one of which was an unprescribed medication.
Daily News Podcast
Sprain an ankle, get an opioid
And beware a nasty skin souvenir from travel abroad.
FDA/CDC
FDA warns kratom vendors about unproven claims
The substance is already outlawed in several countries and banned in some states.
From the Journals
One-quarter of ED sprained ankle diagnoses result in opioid prescription
Opioids for an ankle sprain may lead to extended opioid use or misuse.
Daily News Podcast
Colonoscopy: Should 45 be the new 50?
And how to avoid telemed fraud.