Warning: Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids

XANAX XR CIV (alprazolam) extended-release tablets WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS

ATIVAN (lorazepam) injection, USP) For intravenous and intramuscular use NOT FOR USE IN NEONATES CONTAINS BENZYL ALCOHOL WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Lorazepam interacts with the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-benzodiazepine receptor complex, which is widespread in the brain of humans as well as other species. This interaction is presumed to be responsible for lorazepam’s mechanism of action. Lorazepam exhibits relatively high and specific affinity for its recognition site but does not displace GABA. Attachment to the speci...

Concomitant Drug Use in Patients on Methadone Maintenance Therapy

Background: Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is considered as an efficient and effective treatment in management of high risk opioids addiction; although, concomitant use of other drugs may interfere with treatment course and outcome in MMT cases. This study aimed at evaluating patterns of drug use along with methadone based on self reported and urine analysis data in two MMT clinics. Method...

New labels to curb opioid abuse.

anada's growing prescription drug abuse problem is " unacceptable, " Federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose told delegates to the Canadian Medical Association's annual meeting in Ottawa on Aug. 18. She announced label changes to enhance the safety and appropriate use of controlled-release opioids, including oxycodone and fentanyl products. Ambrose said the new labels will " more clearly outline t...

Warnings Unheeded: The Risks of Co-Prescribing Opi ids and Benzodiazepines

Sharon L. Walsh, PhD Center on Drug and Alcohol Research Departments of Behavioral Science, Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Lexington, KY 40508, USA Email: [email protected] D espite this common warning found in virtually all opioid product package inserts, reports on prescribing practices suggest that all too often this warning is ignored—with grave consequences. Not o...