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Houghton DC, Merritt CR, Miller SN, Mitchell JM, Parker D, Hommel JD, Cunningham KA, Wilkes DM. Electronic Real-Time Monitoring Reveals Limited Adherence to Long-Term Opioid Prescriptions in Pain Patients. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1815-1827. [PMID: 38799276 PMCID: PMC11127646 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s436898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pain management physicians are increasingly focused on limiting prescription opioid abuse, yet existing tools for monitoring adherence have limited accuracy. Medication event monitoring system (MEMS) is an emerging technology for tracking medication usage in real-time but has not been tested in chronic pain patients on long-term opioid regimens. Objective We conducted a pilot clinical trial to investigate the utility of MEMS for monitoring opioid adherence and compared to traditional methods including self-report diaries, urine drug screen (UDS), and physicians' opinions. Methods Opioid-maintained chronic pain patients were recruited from a pain management clinic. Participants (n=28) were randomly assigned to either receive MEMS bottles containing their opioid medication for a 90-day period or to continue using standard medication bottles. MEMS bottles were configured to record and timestamp all bottle openings and the number of pills that were removed from the bottle (via measurement of weight change). Results Participants who received MEMS demonstrated highly heterogenous dosing patterns, with a substantial number of patients rapidly removing excessive amounts of medication and/or "stockpiling" medication. By comparison, physicians rated all participants as either "totally compliant" or "mostly compliant". UDS results did not reveal any illicit drug use, but 25% of participants (n=7) tested negative for their prescribed opioid metabolite. MEMS data did not correlate with physician-rated adherence (P=0.24) and UDS results (P=0.77). MEMS data consistently revealed greater non-adherence than self-report data (P<0.001). Conclusion These results highlight the limits in our understanding of naturalistic patterns of daily opioid use in chronic pain patients as well as support the use of MEMS for detecting potential misuse as compared to routine adherence monitoring methods. Future research directions include the need to determine how MEMS could be used to improve patient outcomes, minimize harm, and aid in clinical decision-making. Trial Registration This study was preregistered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03752411).
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Houghton
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Christina R Merritt
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Sierra N Miller
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jasmine M Mitchell
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, UT McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Parker
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan D Hommel
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kathryn A Cunningham
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Denise M Wilkes
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Vauhkonen P, Oura P, Kriikku P, Mäyränpää MI, Lindroos K. Association of anabolic androgenic steroid use with perimortem polypharmacy, antemortem prescription drug use, and utilization of health care services - A Finnish triple register study of forensic autopsy cases. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 356:111947. [PMID: 38290417 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) use has previously been associated with complex polysubstance use that may increase morbidity and mortality among these individuals. In this study we aimed to further describe the features of perimortem polysubstance use, antemortem central nervous system (CNS) drug use and health care service utilization of AAS using males that suffer premature death. The main sample included all cases that were screened for AAS in connection with forensic autopsy between 2016-2019 and tested positive (n = 16). The control samples included autopsy cases that were screened for AAS but tested negative (n = 30) and randomly selected, age and sex matched autopsy cases not suspected of having used AAS but were otherwise fully toxicologically investigated (n = 43). Postmortem toxicological results were used for perimortem polysubstance use prevalence and severity estimation. Antemortem CNS drug use was calculated from a national register of reimbursed prescription medicines, and health care utilization from public health care registers, covering the last five years of life. Perimortem polysubstance use was prevalent in all groups, but the AAS positive had a tendency for greater CNS drug polypharmacy and the highest number of antemortem CNS drug purchases during the last five years of life, with a median of 14.5 purchases/person, vs. 1/person in the AAS negative and 0/person in the random group (Kruskal-Wallis H test, p < .001). Yearly medical contacts increased in all groups as death approached. Our findings suggest that prescription CNS drug use may play a significant role in polysubstance use disorders of AAS using males that suffer premature death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Vauhkonen
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30 (Mannerheimintie 166), FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 3), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Petteri Oura
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30 (Mannerheimintie 166), FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21 (Haartmaninkatu 3), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirkko Kriikku
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21 (Haartmaninkatu 3), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; Forensic Toxicology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Ilari Mäyränpää
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21 (Haartmaninkatu 3), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 340, FI-00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katarina Lindroos
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30 (Mannerheimintie 166), FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
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"People need them or else they're going to take fentanyl and die": A qualitative study examining the 'problem' of prescription opioid diversion during an overdose epidemic. Soc Sci Med 2021; 279:113986. [PMID: 33971445 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The practice of prescription opioid (PO) diversion remains highly controversial and has been characterized as a source of significant drug-related harm by physicians and public health officials. We critically analyze the "problem" of diversion through an examination of the perspectives of people who divert POs during an overdose epidemic to better understand the practice, including benefits and challenges, as well as how diversion is shaped by structural contexts. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants recruited from ongoing cohort studies involving people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada. Prohibitive prescribing policies made accessing POs difficult, leading some to smuggle drugs out of clinics. Others would buy POs in bulk or do trades to acquire them. Participants risked having their prescriptions terminated, but rationalized this risk as a protective measure that allows them to provide safer drugs to others (e.g., to prevent overdose or treat withdrawal). Poverty also framed diversion, with some participants diverting their POs to generate income to pay for expenses including food and sometimes illicit fentanyl (perceived as a stronger alternative). However, diversion was shaped by other constraints, including criminalization, negative health impacts from not consistently consuming POs, and supplies running out, which led some participants to rely on other illegal means to generate income. This study highlights the intricate means by which POs are acquired and diverted and how environmental contexts frame how participants negotiated risk and rationalized diversion. Our study provides an alternative perspective on the "problem" of diversion and demonstrate a positive effect in providing a safer drug supply to others during an overdose crisis. Given that drug policy, criminalization, and poverty created challenges, our findings demonstrate the need for strategies that engender greater safety, reduce harm, and alleviate the effects of these constraints, including through policies promoting safer drug supplies, decriminalization, and employment.
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Valente PK, Bazzi AR, Childs E, Salhaney P, Earlywine J, Olson J, Biancarelli DL, Marshall BDL, Biello KB. Patterns, contexts, and motivations for polysubstance use among people who inject drugs in non-urban settings in the U.S. Northeast. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 85:102934. [PMID: 32911318 PMCID: PMC7770041 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polysubstance use (i.e., using ≥2 psychoactive substances concomitantly) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and complicates drug treatment needs among people who inject drugs (PWID). We explored patterns, contexts, motivations, and perceived consequences of polysubstance use among PWID in small cities and towns in the U.S. Northeast. METHODS Between October 2018 and March 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 45 PWID living outside of the capital cities of Rhode Island and Massachusetts recruited online and through community-based organizations. Written transcripts were coded inductively and deductively using a team-based approach and analyzed thematically. RESULTS All participants reported recent polysubstance use, with most using five or more classes of substances in the past three months. Polysubstance use often followed long personal drug use histories (i.e., years or decades of occasional drug use). Reasons for polysubstance use included obtaining synergistic psychoactive effects as a result of mixing drugs (i.e., using drugs to potentiate effects of other drugs) and managing undesirable effects of particular drugs (e.g., offsetting the depressant effects of opioids with stimulants or vice-versa). Polysubstance use to self-medicate poorly managed physical and mental health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, anxiety, and depression) was also reported. Inadequately managed cravings and withdrawal symptoms prompted concomitant use of heroin and medications for opioid use disorder, including among individuals reporting cocaine or crack as their primary "issue" drugs. Polysubstance use was perceived to increase overdose risks and to be a barrier to accessing healthcare and drug treatment services. CONCLUSION Healthcare services and clinicians should acknowledge, assess, and account for polysubstance use among patients and promote harm reduction approaches for individuals who may be using multiple drugs. Comprehensive healthcare that meets the social, physical, mental health, and drug treatment needs of PWID may decrease the perceived need for polysubstance use to self-medicate poorly managed health conditions and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 4th Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Angela R Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ellen Childs
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Peter Salhaney
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 8th Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Joel Earlywine
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jennifer Olson
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 8th Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Dea L Biancarelli
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 2nd Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 4th Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 2nd Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Koller G, Schwarzer A, Halfter K, Soyka M. Pain management in opioid maintenance treatment. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:1993-2005. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1652270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabi Koller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Schwarzer
- Department of Pain Medicine, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kathrin Halfter
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Soyka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Medical Park Chiemseeblick, Bernau, Germany
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Fugelstad A, Thiblin I, Johansson LA, Ågren G, Sidorchuk A. Opioid-related deaths and previous care for drug use and pain relief in Sweden. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 201:253-259. [PMID: 31260826 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM In 2006-2014, the rate of drug-related deaths, typically opioid poisonings, more than doubled in Sweden. Opioid prescriptions for pain control or opioid agonist therapy also increased. In this retrospective study, we compared death rates between individuals whose first recorded contact with prescribed opioids was for pain control and individuals that had received substance use disorder (SUD) treatment before their first recorded opioid prescription. METHODS We included 2834 forensically examined individuals (ages 15-64 years) that died of poisoning in Sweden in 2006-2014. For each death we acquired data on previous opioid prescriptions and SUD treatments. We compared three study groups: pain control (n = 788); a SUD treatment group (n = 1629); and a group with no prescription for pain control or SUD treatment (n = 417). RESULTS Overall fatal poisonings increased from 2.77 to 7.79 (per 100,000 individuals) from 2006 to 2014 (relative 181% increase). Fatal poisoning increased from 2006 to 2014 by 269% in the pain control group (0.64 to 2.36 per 100,000) and by 238% in the SUD treatment group (1.35 to 4.57 per 100,000). Heroin-related deaths remained constant; consequently, the increase was likely attributable to prescription opioids. CONCLUSION A rapid increase in deaths attributable mainly to prescription opioids for pain control, was reported previously in the United States. Our study indicated that increased access to prescription opioids might contribute to higher death rates also in Sweden among patients seeking pain control and individuals with an established SUD; however, deaths related to prescription opioids mainly occurred among those with SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fugelstad
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Götgatan 83E, SE-11662 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ingmar Thiblin
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section for Forensic Medicine, Uppsala University, Box 1024, SE-75140 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Lars Age Johansson
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Section for Social Medicine, Uppsala University, Box 564, SE-75122, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Gunnar Ågren
- Former National Institute of Public Health, Götgatan 83E, SE-11662 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Anna Sidorchuk
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, and Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Keltanen TN, Heikman PK, Muhonen LH, Gunnar TO, Ojanperä IA. Enzymatic assay for urine lactose in the assessment of recent intravenous abuse of buprenorphine. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1412-1418. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Terhi N. Keltanen
- Forensic Toxicology UnitNational Institute for Health and Welfare Helsinki Finland
- Department of Forensic MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Pertti K. Heikman
- PsychiatryUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- PsychiatryHelsinki University Central Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Leea H. Muhonen
- PsychiatryHelsinki University Central Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Teemu O. Gunnar
- Forensic Toxicology UnitNational Institute for Health and Welfare Helsinki Finland
| | - Ilkka A. Ojanperä
- Forensic Toxicology UnitNational Institute for Health and Welfare Helsinki Finland
- Department of Forensic MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
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Johnson B, Richert T. Non-prescribed use of methadone and buprenorphine prior to opioid substitution treatment: lifetime prevalence, motives, and drug sources among people with opioid dependence in five Swedish cities. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:31. [PMID: 31046774 PMCID: PMC6498489 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0301-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid substitution treatment (OST) with methadone or buprenorphine is the most effective means of treating opioid dependence. If these substances are used by people who are not undergoing OST, they can however carry serious risks. This article examines the lifetime prevalence, motives, and drug sources for such use, as well as geographical differences in these variables. METHODS Structured interviews were conducted with 411 patients from 11 OST clinics in five Swedish cities. The researchers carried out 280 interviews on-site, while 131 interviews were conducted by specially trained patients through privileged access interviewing. Data were analyzed by frequency and average calculations, cross-tabulations, and χ2 tests. RESULTS The lifetime prevalence of non-prescribed use was 87.8% for methadone, 80.5% for buprenorphine, and 50.6% for buprenorphine/naloxone. Pseudo-therapeutic motives-avoiding withdrawal symptoms, staying clean from heroin, detoxification, or taking care of one's own OST-were commonly cited as driving the use, while using the drugs for euphoric purposes was a less common motive. Most respondents had bought or received the substances from patients in OST, but dealers were also a significant source of non-prescribed methadone and buprenorphine. Geographical differences of use, motives, and sources suggest that prescription practices in OST have a great impact on which substances are used outside of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS Experiences of non-prescribed use of methadone and buprenorphine are extremely common among those in OST in southern Sweden. As the use is typically driven by pseudo-therapeutic motives, increased access to OST might decrease the illicit demand for these substances. Buprenorphine/naloxone has a lower abuse potential than buprenorphine and should therefore be prioritized as the prescribed drug. Supervised dosage and other control measures are important provisions in the prevention of drug diversion and non-prescribed use among people not undergoing OST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Johnson
- Department of Social Work, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Torkel Richert
- Department of Social Work, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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Gravensteen IK, Ekeberg Ø, Thiblin I, Helweg-Larsen K, Hem E, Rogde S, Tøllefsen IM. Psychoactive substances in natural and unnatural deaths in Norway and Sweden - a study on victims of suicide and accidents compared with natural deaths in psychiatric patients. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:33. [PMID: 30658618 PMCID: PMC6339417 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extent of post-mortem detection of specific psychoactive drugs may differ between countries, and may greatly influence the national death register's classification of manner and cause of death. The main objective of the present study was to analyse the magnitude and pattern of post-mortem detection of various psychoactive substances by the manner of death (suicide, accidental, undetermined and natural death with a psychiatric diagnosis) in Norway and Sweden. METHODS The Cause of Death Registers in Norway and Sweden provided data on 600 deaths in 2008 from each country, of which 200 were registered as suicides, 200 as accidents or undetermined manner of death and 200 as natural deaths in individuals with a diagnosis of mental disorder as the underlying cause of death. We examined death certificates and forensic reports including toxicological analyses. RESULTS The detection of psychoactive substances was commonly reported in suicides (66 and 74% in Norway and Sweden respectively), accidents (85 and 66%), undetermined manner of deaths (80% in the Swedish dataset) and in natural deaths with a psychiatric diagnosis (50 and 53%). Ethanol was the most commonly reported substance in the three manners of death, except from opioids being more common in accidental deaths in the Norwegian dataset. In cases of suicide by poisoning, benzodiazepines and z-drugs were the most common substances in both countries. Heroin or morphine was the most commonly reported substance in cases of accidental death by poisoning in the Norwegian dataset, while other opioids dominated the Swedish dataset. Anti-depressants were found in 22% of the suicide cases in the Norwegian dataset and in 29% of suicide cases in the Swedish dataset. CONCLUSIONS Psychoactive substances were detected in 66 and 74% of suicides and in 85 and 66% of accidental deaths in the Norwegian and Swedish datasets, respectively. Apart from a higher detection rate of heroin in deaths by accident in Norway than in Sweden, the pattern of detected psychoactive substances was similar in the two countries. Assessment of a suicidal motive may be hampered by the common use of psychoactive substances in suicide victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Kathrine Gravensteen
- 0000 0004 0389 8485grid.55325.34Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4950 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Øivind Ekeberg
- 0000 0004 1936 8921grid.5510.1Department of Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Box 1111 Blindern, N-0317 Oslo, Norway ,0000 0004 0389 8485grid.55325.34Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingemar Thiblin
- 0000 0004 1936 9457grid.8993.bDepartment of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Box 256, 751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Helweg-Larsen
- 0000 0001 0674 042Xgrid.5254.6Department of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erlend Hem
- 0000 0004 1936 8921grid.5510.1Department of Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Box 1111 Blindern, N-0317 Oslo, Norway ,0000 0004 0389 8485grid.55325.34Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, Box 4956 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sidsel Rogde
- 0000 0004 0389 8485grid.55325.34Department of Forensic Sciences, Oslo University Hospital, Box 4950 Nydalen, N-0424 Oslo, Norway ,0000 0004 1936 8921grid.5510.1Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Box 1072 Blindern, N- 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingvild Maria Tøllefsen
- Division of Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal, Box 4950 Nydalen, N-0424, Oslo, Norway.
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High buprenorphine-related mortality is persistent in Finland. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 291:76-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Vanderkam P, Gagey S, Ingrand P, Perault-Pochat MC, Brabant Y, Blanchard C, Tudrej B, Messaadi N, Binder P. Are patients' pejorative representations of buprenorphine associated with their level of addiction and of misuse? Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 188:10-15. [PMID: 29727755 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In France, buprenorphine is at once the most widely prescribed and the most commonly misused opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). Unlike other medicines, it is seldom prescribed as a generic drug. Several studies have underlined the influence of the patient's representations when choosing brand-name rather than generic forms. We aim to prove a link between these pejorative representations and misuse, a higher degree of addiction and a preference for brand-name products. METHODS An observational study carried out at 11 sites in France using self-assessment questionnaires filled out in dispensing pharmacies by patients having come to them for buprenorphine delivery. RESULTS Analysis was based on 806 usable questionnaires. There indeed exists a significant correlation between pejorative representations of OMT by means of buprenorphine, and a higher degree of addiction and misuse (p < .0001 for each). Preference for the brand-name product is correlated with the representation of OMT as a "trap" (p = .020). CONCLUSION Our results underscore the existence of a link between patients' negative representations of their OMT and their drug-taking behavior. Prescribing physicians should consequently take these representations into account to more precisely identify the relevant behaviors and help their patients to evolve positively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Vanderkam
- Département de Médecine Générale, Faculté de Médecine, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073, Poitiers, France; Unité de recherche clinique intersectorielle en psychiatrie, Centre hospitalier Henri-Laborit, 86021, Poitiers, France.
| | - Stéphanie Gagey
- Département de Médecine Générale, Faculté de Médecine, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Pierre Ingrand
- Epidémiologie et Biostatistiques, INSERM CIC-1402, Faculté de Médecine, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Marie-Christine Perault-Pochat
- Pharmacologie Clinique et Vigilance, INSERM CIC-1402, Faculté de Médecine, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Yann Brabant
- Département de Médecine Générale, Faculté de Médecine, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Clara Blanchard
- Département de Médecine Générale, Faculté de Médecine, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Benoit Tudrej
- Département de Médecine Générale, Faculté de Médecine, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Nassir Messaadi
- Département de Médecine Générale, Faculté de Médecine Lille 2 - Université de Médecine et de Droit, 59045, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Binder
- Département de Médecine Générale, Faculté de Médecine, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, 86073, Poitiers, France
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Hulme S, Bright D, Nielsen S. The source and diversion of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 186:242-256. [PMID: 29626777 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The non-medical use (NMU) of pharmaceutical drugs is an increasing public health concern. This systematic review consolidates current knowledge about how pharmaceutical drugs are obtained for NMU and the processes and people involved in diversion. METHODS Peer-reviewed and grey literature databases were searched for empirical studies published between 1996 and 2017 that examined the source or diversion of pharmaceutical opioids, sedatives or stimulants for NMU in countries with reported misuse problems. Pooled prevalence meta-analyses using random effects models were used to estimate the prevalence of medical and non-medical sourcing reported by end-users, and gifting, selling and trading by various populations. RESULTS This review synthesizes the findings of 54 cross-sectional studies via meta-analyses, with a remaining 95 studies examined through narrative review. Pharmaceutical drugs are primarily sourced for NMU from friends and family (57%, 95% CI 53%-62%, I2 = 98.5, n = 30) and despite perceptions of healthcare professionals to the contrary, illegitimate practices such as doctor shopping are uncommon (7%, 95% CI 6%-10%, I2 = 97.4, n = 29). Those at risk of diversion include patients displaying aberrant medication behaviors, people with substance use issues and students in fraternity/sorority environments. Sourcing via dealers is also common (32%, 95% CI 23%-41%, I2 = 99.8, n = 25) and particularly so among people who use illicit drugs (47%, 95% CI 35%-60%, I2 = 99.1, n = 15). There is little to no organized criminal involvement in the pharmaceutical black market. CONCLUSION Pharmaceutical drugs for NMU are primarily sourced by end-users through social networks. Future research should examine how dealers source pharmaceutical drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shann Hulme
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, 22-32 King St, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.
| | - David Bright
- School of Social Sciences, UNSW Australia, High Street, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Suzanne Nielsen
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, 22-32 King St, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-eighth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2015 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia, stress and social status, tolerance and dependence, learning and memory, eating and drinking, drug abuse and alcohol, sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology, mental illness and mood, seizures and neurologic disorders, electrical-related activity and neurophysiology, general activity and locomotion, gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions, cardiovascular responses, respiration and thermoregulation, and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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14
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Diminution de la prévalence du docteur shopping de la buprénorphine entre 2004 et 2014 en France. Presse Med 2016; 45:e369-e375. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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15
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Keltanen T, Mariottini C, Walta AM, Rahikainen AL, Ojanperä I. Enzymatic assays for detecting lactose and sucrose in urine to reveal intravenous drug abuse with emphasis on buprenorphine. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:949-952. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Keltanen
- University of Helsinki; Department of Forensic Medicine; P.O. Box 40 FI-00014 Helsinki Finland
| | - C. Mariottini
- University of Helsinki; Department of Forensic Medicine; P.O. Box 40 FI-00014 Helsinki Finland
| | - A. M. Walta
- University of Helsinki; Department of Forensic Medicine; P.O. Box 40 FI-00014 Helsinki Finland
| | - A. L. Rahikainen
- University of Helsinki; Department of Forensic Medicine; P.O. Box 40 FI-00014 Helsinki Finland
| | - I. Ojanperä
- University of Helsinki; Department of Forensic Medicine; P.O. Box 40 FI-00014 Helsinki Finland
- National Institute for Health and Welfare; Forensic Toxicology Unit; P.O. Box 30 FI-00271 Helsinki Finland
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Maremmani I, Rolland B, Somaini L, Roncero C, Reimer J, Wright N, Littlewood R, Krajci P, Alho H, D'Agnone O, Simon N. Buprenorphine dosing choices in specific populations: review of expert opinion. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:1727-31. [PMID: 27376622 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1209486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment of opioid dependence with buprenorphine improves outcomes. Typical dosing ranges for all patients from clinical evidence and as defined in the product information are wide. For specific groups with complex clinical scenarios, there is no clear consensus on dosing choices to achieve best possible outcomes. AREAS COVERED The doses of buprenorphine used in 6 European countries was reviewed. A review of published evidence supported rapid induction with buprenorphine and the benefits of higher doses but did not identify clearly useful guidance on dosing choices for groups with complex clinical scenarios. An expert group of physicians with experience in addiction care participated in a discussion meeting to share clinical practice experience and develop a consensus on dosing choices. EXPERT OPINION There was general agreement that treatment outcomes can be improved by optimising buprenorphine doses in specific subgroups. Specific groups in whom buprenorphine doses may be too low and who could have better outcomes with optimised dosing were identified on the basis of clinical practice experience. These groups include people with severe addiction, high tolerance to opioids, and psychiatric comorbidities. In these groups it is recommended to review dosing choices to ensure buprenorphine dosing is sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Icro Maremmani
- a Department of Neurosciences, Santa Chiara University Hospital , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Benjamin Rolland
- b Departments of Addiction Medicine and Pharmacology, INSERM , University Hospital of Lille , Lille , France
| | | | - Carlos Roncero
- d Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Unit, Department of Psychiatry , Vall d'Hebron Hospital , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Jens Reimer
- e Director at Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research , University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martini Strasse , Germany
| | - Nat Wright
- f Spectrum Community Health CIC , Wakefield , UK
| | | | - Peter Krajci
- h Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Department of Substance Use Disorder Treatment , Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - Hannu Alho
- i HA, Clinicum, University of Helsinki and University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Oscar D'Agnone
- j Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Brain Behaviour and Mental Health , University of Manchester , Manchester , UK
| | - Nicolas Simon
- k Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Sainte Marguerite Hospital , Marseille , France.,l Department of Clinical Pharmacology , Medical School of Marseilles , Marseille , France.,m Aix Marseille University, INSERM, UMR 912 IRD, SESSTIM , Marseille , France
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Schuckit
- From the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
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Launonen E, Wallace I, Kotovirta E, Alho H, Simojoki K. Factors associated with non-adherence and misuse of opioid maintenance treatment medications and intoxicating drugs among Finnish maintenance treatment patients. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 162:227-35. [PMID: 27068849 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intravenous (IV) use of opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) medications and other intoxicating drugs among OMT patients is a challenge for many OMT units and affects treatment outcomes. The aim of this study is to examine factors associated with IV use of OMT medications and other intoxicating drugs among Finnish OMT patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among all Finnish OMT patients of whom 60% (n=1508) participated. The data were collected by anonymous questionnaire. Binominal regression analysis with unadjusted and adjusted ORs was conducted to evaluate predictors for IV use. FINDINGS Factors associated with the injection of a patient's own OMT medication were: being treated with buprenorphine-naloxone (BNX) (OR 2.60, p=0.005) with a low dose (<9.0mg/day; OR 5.70, p<0.001) and being treated in a health-care centre (OR 2.03, p=0.029). Factors associated with the injection of illicit OMT medications were: being treated with BNX (OR 5.25, p<0.001) with a low dose (<9.0mg/day; OR 2.89, p=0.017), lack of psychosocial support (OR 2.62, p<0.001) and concurrent use of psychotropic medications from illicit sources (OR 4.28, p<0.001). Associated factors for the injection of other intoxicating drugs were: concurrent use of illicit drugs (OR 1.72, p=0.015), psychotropic medications from illicit sources (OR 4.78, p<0.001) and from a doctor (OR 1.93, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS More effort should be made to reduce concurrent injecting use during OMT. This may be done by addressing concurrent substance use orders more effectively, by ensuring that patients receive an optimal BNX dose and by providing more psychosocial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essiina Launonen
- Clinicum, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 63, FI-00014 Helsinki University, Finland; University of Eastern Finland, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Isla Wallace
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Elina Kotovirta
- Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Promotion of Welfare and Health, Unit for Harm Prevention, P.O. Box 33, FI-00023 Government, Finland
| | - Hannu Alho
- Clinicum, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 63, FI-00014 Helsinki University, Finland; National Institute of Health and Welfare, Department of Mental and Substance Abuse Services, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaarlo Simojoki
- Clinicum, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 63, FI-00014 Helsinki University, Finland; A-Clinic Foundation, Maistraatinportti 2, 00240 Helsinki, Finland
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Delorme J, Chenaf C, Kabore JL, Pereira B, Mulliez A, Tremey A, Brousse G, Zenut M, Laporte C, Authier N. Incidence of high dosage buprenorphine and methadone shopping behavior in a retrospective cohort of opioid-maintained patients in France. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 162:99-106. [PMID: 27006272 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) misuse and diversion have significantly increased worldwide. Obtaining OST prescriptions from multiple prescribers, known as doctor shopping, is a way in which opioids may be diverted. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of OST (high dosage buprenorphine (HDB) and methadone (MTD)) shopping behavior and identify associated risk factors, and its impact on mortality. METHODS A retrospective cohort of patients treated by OST between April 1, 2004 and December 31, 2012 from a sample of the French Health Insurance database was established. Doctor shopping was defined as ≥1 day of overlapping prescriptions written by ≥2 different prescribers and filled in ≥3 different pharmacies. RESULTS A total of 2043 patients were enrolled, 1450HDB and 593 MTD. The one-year incidence of shopping behavior was 8.4% (95% CI: 7.0-10.1) in HDB group and 0% in MTD group, compared to 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1-0.2) for diuretics. On multivariate analysis, factors associated with HDB shopping behavior were: male gender HR: 1.74 (95% CI: 1.20-2.54); low-income status HR: 2.95 (95% CI: 2.07-4.44); mental health disorders HR: 1.43 (95% CI: 1.06-1.94); concurrent hypnotics use HR: 1.90 (95% CI: 1.39-2.61); concurrent use of weak opioids HR: 1.48 (95% CI: 1.09-1.99) and morphine HR: 1.69 (95% CI: 1.02-2.80). HDB shoppers had a higher, yet non-significant risk of death (HR: 1.56 (95% CI: 0.64-3.81)) than non HDB shoppers. CONCLUSION Shopping behavior was only found in high dosage buprenorphine patients and concerned almost one out ten patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Delorme
- INSERM, UMR 1107 NEURO-DOL, Faculté de Médecine, Université d'Auvergne, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centres Addictovigilance et Pharmacovigilance Auvergne (CEIP-CRPV), Service de Pharmacologie Médicale, BP69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Chouki Chenaf
- INSERM, UMR 1107 NEURO-DOL, Faculté de Médecine, Université d'Auvergne, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centres Addictovigilance et Pharmacovigilance Auvergne (CEIP-CRPV), Service de Pharmacologie Médicale, BP69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Luc Kabore
- INSERM, UMR 1107 NEURO-DOL, Faculté de Médecine, Université d'Auvergne, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centres Addictovigilance et Pharmacovigilance Auvergne (CEIP-CRPV), Service de Pharmacologie Médicale, BP69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l'Innovation, BP69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Aurélien Mulliez
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l'Innovation, BP69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Aurore Tremey
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Psychiatrie et Addictologie, CMPB, BP69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Georges Brousse
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Psychiatrie et Addictologie, CMPB, BP69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marie Zenut
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centres Addictovigilance et Pharmacovigilance Auvergne (CEIP-CRPV), Service de Pharmacologie Médicale, BP69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France; EA 4681 PEPRADE, Université d'Auvergne (Périnatalité, grossesse, Environnement, PRAtiques médicales et DEveloppement), France
| | - Catherine Laporte
- Département de Médecine Générale, Faculté de Médecine, BP38, 63001 Clermont- Ferrand, France
| | - Nicolas Authier
- INSERM, UMR 1107 NEURO-DOL, Faculté de Médecine, Université d'Auvergne, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centres Addictovigilance et Pharmacovigilance Auvergne (CEIP-CRPV), Service de Pharmacologie Médicale, BP69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France; CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centre d'Evaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur (CETD), Service de Pharmacologie Médicale, BP69, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Institut Analgesia, Faculté de Médecine, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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