Quick Hits: Abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) of opioids do not reduce the overall abuse of the painkillers according to a report from the Institute of Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). New research suggests that ADFs can possibly lead opioid abusers to switch to other harmful drugs, including heroin and fentanyl. Dan Ollendorf, PhD, ICER’s Chief Scientific Officer, said, “Those opioid formulations today being identified as ‘abuse-deterrent’ – which our report suggests should more accurately be called ‘tamper-resistant’ — will certainly be part of broader strategies to combat the opioid epidemic.” Posted August 8, 2017. Via Institute of Clinical and Economic Review.
Quick Hits: Antidepressant use increases risk of head injuries among persons with Alzheimer’s disease, aAccording to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland. Previous studies have found antidepressant use to be associated with an increased risk of falls and hip fractures. Researchers were therefore not surprised to discover that antidepressant use can potentially cause severe head injuries. Posted August 9, 2017. Via Science Daily.
Quick Hits: People with intellectual disability (ID) are more likely to experience movement side effects of antipsychotic drugs, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal. Some of the movement side effects common to people on antipsychotics include acute dystonias, akathisia, parkinsonism, tardive dyskinaesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. UK researchers examined 148,709 people with and without ID who were prescribed antipsychotic drugs and concluded that people with intellectual disability are more prone to these movement side effects than those without intellectual disability. Posted August 8, 2017. Via British Medical Journal.
