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Dagher M, Alayoubi M, Sigal GH, Cahill CM. Unveiling the link between chronic pain and misuse of opioids and cannabis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:563-580. [PMID: 38570361 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02765-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Over 50 million Americans endure chronic pain where many do not receive adequate treatment and self-medicate to manage their pain by taking substances like opioids and cannabis. Research has shown high comorbidity between chronic pain and substance use disorders (SUD) and these disorders share many common neurobiological underpinnings, including hypodopaminergic transmission. Drugs commonly used for self-medication such as opioids and cannabis relieve emotional, bothersome components of pain as well as negative emotional affect that perpetuates misuse and increases the risk of progressing towards drug abuse. However, the causal effect between chronic pain and the development of SUDs has not been clearly established. In this review, we discuss evidence that affirms the proposition that chronic pain is a risk factor for the development of opioid and cannabis use disorders by outlining the clinical evidence and detailing neurobiological mechanisms that link pain and drug misuse. Central to the link between chronic pain and opioid and cannabis misuse is hypodopaminergic transmission and the modulation of dopamine signaling in the mesolimbic pathway by opioids and cannabis. Moreover, we discuss the role of kappa opioid receptor activation and neuroinflammation in the context of dopamine transmission, their contribution to opioid and cannabis withdrawal, along with potential new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Dagher
- MacDonald Research Laboratory Building, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E Young Drive South, Office 2774, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Myra Alayoubi
- MacDonald Research Laboratory Building, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E Young Drive South, Office 2774, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Gabriella H Sigal
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- MacDonald Research Laboratory Building, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E Young Drive South, Office 2774, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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van Reij RR, Joosten EA, van den Hoogen NJ. Dopaminergic neurotransmission and genetic variation in chronification of post-surgical pain. Br J Anaesth 2019; 123:853-864. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2019.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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Gärtner J, Jaroslawski K, Becker G, Boehlke C. Improvement of Restless Legs Syndrome Under Treatment of Cancer Pain With Morphine and Fentanyl. Front Neurol 2019; 10:457. [PMID: 31133964 PMCID: PMC6517474 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Restless-Legs-Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a sleep- and rest related disorder characterized by the unpleasant urge to move the legs. Pharmacological therapy is mainly based on dopamine-agonists and delta-2-alpha calcium channel ligands. Also, randomized-controlled-trials (RCTs) reported effectiveness of oral oxycodone (in combination with naloxone), and intrathecal opioids have also been administered for this indication. In the case reported here, a patient with advanced pancreatic cancer was referred to an acute palliative care unit for the treatment of cancer-related pain. Yet, in thorough exploration of her symptom burden, the patient reported that she felt her quality of life had been predominantly limited by symptoms other than cancer pain. Her medical history and neurological examination revealed that these symptoms were most obviously caused by severe RLS. In the years before, pharmacological therapies with dopamine-agonists and delta-2-alpha calcium channel ligands were initiated, but failed to relieve the RLS. In the palliative care ward, intravenous morphine was successfully titrated to treat her cancer pain. Concurrently, the patient also experienced almost complete relief from her RLS-symptoms and an increase in quality of life. The amelioration of her RLS-symptoms continued after morphine therapy was switched from intravenous to oral administration. Even after the patient was dismissed to home care and opioid rotation to transdermal fentanyl, symptom control of RLS remained excellent. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successfully treating RLS with intravenous and oral morphine. Since morphine is more easily available worldwide and the cost of morphine therapy is substantially lower compared to oxycodone/naloxone, comparisons to morphine may be an intriguing option for future RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gärtner
- Palliative Care Center Hildegard, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Gerhild Becker
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, Clinic for Palliative Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Boehlke
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, Clinic for Palliative Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Abstract
Restless legs syndrome is a common neurological condition affecting a substantial portion of the population. It can be an idiopathic disorder, or one that is secondary to another cause. Given that the underlying pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome is not well understood, several drug classes have been studied for symptom control. While dopamine agonists have long been the mainstay of first-line treatment for restless legs syndrome, recently, the α2δ ligands have been increasingly used. These agents have proven both efficacious and safe in a number of clinical trials. Additionally, compared with the dopamine agonists, they have been associated with less augmentation, a phenomenon whereby symptoms emerge earlier in the day, become more severe, and may spread to areas of the body previously unaffected. Newer clinical guidelines for restless legs syndrome are increasingly recommending the α2δ ligands as a logical first-choice medication for patients needing drug therapy for symptom control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele A Faulkner
- Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA.
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Geyer J, Bogan R. Identification and treatment of augmentation in patients with restless legs syndrome: practical recommendations. Postgrad Med 2017; 129:667-675. [PMID: 28818004 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2017.1360747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a chronic disorder causing clinically significant discomfort to approximately 3% of adults. Although RLS was first identified centuries ago, our understanding of this disorder, its causes, and its treatments is still evolving. In particular, our knowledge of the potential negative effects of RLS treatments, including dopaminergic augmentation, continues to expand. Augmentation, which refers to a paradoxical treatment-related increase in RLS symptoms, has been associated with all three dopamine agonists approved for the treatment of RLS - rotigotine, pramipexole, and ropinirole. This review presents key information on prevention and treatment of dopaminergic augmentation from the recently published consensus-based guidelines issued by the International RLS Study Group task force in conjunction with the European RLS Study Group and the RLS Foundation for first-line treatment of RLS/Willis-Ekbom disease. If dopamine agonists are used to treat RLS, it is recommended that the dosage should be kept as low as possible without exceeding the maximum dose recommended for RLS treatment. As the frequency of augmentation with the rotigotine patch may only be slightly lower than that associated with pramipexole or ropinirole, medications that are effective and have little risk of augmentation, such as alpha-2-delta ligands, may be considered for initial RLS treatment. In addition, we present our clinical experience with treating patients with dopaminergic augmentation by highlighting 2 case studies and practical considerations when treating different patient populations. Applying current RLS augmentation diagnosis and treatment guidelines, as well as collecting detailed histories of worsening RLS symptoms, is critical for patient safety and effective management of RLS augmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Geyer
- a Alabama Neurology & Sleep Medicine and Unosano, LLC , Tuscaloosa , AL , USA
| | - Richard Bogan
- b University of South Carolina School of Medicine and SleepMed, Inc. , Columbia , SC , USA
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de Biase S, Merlino G, Valente M, Gigli GL. Opioids in the treatment of restless legs syndrome: pharmacological and clinical aspects. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2016; 12:1035-45. [PMID: 27310338 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2016.1198320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano de Biase
- Neurology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy
| | - Giovanni Merlino
- Department of Neurosciences, ‘S. Maria della Misericordia’ University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Valente
- Neurology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, ‘S. Maria della Misericordia’ University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gigli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, ‘S. Maria della Misericordia’ University Hospital, Udine, Italy
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Ferini-Strambi L, Marelli S, Galbiati A. Clinical pharmacology and efficacy of rotigotine (Neupro® patch) in the treatment of restless leg syndrome. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2016; 12:967-75. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2016.1194393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Ferini-Strambi
- Division of Neuroscience, Sleep Disorders Center, Ospedale San Raffaele and Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Marelli
- Division of Neuroscience, Sleep Disorders Center, Ospedale San Raffaele and Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Galbiati
- Division of Neuroscience, Sleep Disorders Center, Ospedale San Raffaele and Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Idiopathic restless legs syndrome (RLS)--also known as Willis-Ekbom disease--is a neurological condition characterised by an overwhelming urge to move the legs, occurring during rest or inactivity, especially at night. Symptoms are highly variable in frequency and severity, and can affect sleep and quality of life. First-line management includes addressing precipitating or aggravating factors and providing explanation, reassurance and advice on self-help strategies. Drug therapy (e.g. a dopamine agonist) is used for patients with more severe symptoms. In December 2014, the marketing authorisation for a modified-release preparation containing oxycodone and naloxone (Targinact-Napp Pharmaceuticals) was expanded to include use in the treatment of severe to very severe RLS after failure of dopaminergic therapy.(10)Here we review the management of adults with RLS, including the place of oxycodone/naloxone.
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de Biase S, Valente M, Gigli GL. Intractable restless legs syndrome: role of prolonged-release oxycodone-naloxone. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2016; 12:417-25. [PMID: 26966363 PMCID: PMC4770072 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s81186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs accompanied by uncomfortable sensations that occur at night or at time of rest. Pharmacological therapy should be limited to patients who suffer from clinically relevant symptoms. Chronic RLS is usually treated with either a dopamine agonist (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine) or an α2δ calcium-channel ligand (gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil, pregabalin). Augmentation is the main complication of long-term dopaminergic treatment, and frequently requires a reduction of current dopaminergic dose or a switch to non-dopaminergic medications. Opioids as monotherapy or add-on treatment should be considered when alternative satisfactory regimens are unavailable and the severity of symptoms warrants it. In a recent Phase III trial, oxycodone-naloxone prolonged release (PR) demonstrated a significant and sustained effect on patients with severe RLS inadequately controlled by previous treatments. The adverse-event profile was consistent with the safety profile of opioids. The most frequent adverse events were fatigue, constipation, nausea, headache, hyperhidrosis, somnolence, dry mouth, and pruritus. Adverse events were usually mild or moderate in intensity. No cases of augmentation were reported. Oxycodone-naloxone PR is approved for the second-line symptomatic treatment of adults with severe to very severe idiopathic RLS after failure of dopaminergic treatment. Further studies are needed to evaluate if oxycodone-naloxone PR is equally efficacious as a first-line treatment. Moreover, long-term comparative studies between opioids, dopaminergic drugs and α2δ ligands are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano de Biase
- Neurology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Valente
- Neurology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gigli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medical Sciences, University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
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Cuellar NG, Dorn JM. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy or restless legs syndrome in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Differentiating diagnosis in practice. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2015; 27:671-5. [PMID: 26465658 DOI: 10.1002/2327-6924.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects 8% of the population and is identified in 21% of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Symptoms of RLS manifest as discomfort in the legs (e.g., numbness, tingling, electrical stimulations), usually occurring at night or at rest (sitting or lying), resulting in the need to move the legs. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN), which has symptoms similar to RLS, is a common consequence of T2DM. The purpose of this article is to provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with (a) an overview of RLS, (b) the association of RLS with T2DM, (c) the defining characteristics that differentiate PDN from RLS, and (d) implications to improve health outcomes of persons with T2DM. DATA SOURCES The literature was reviewed for the most current data on RLS and the defining characteristics of PDN. CONCLUSIONS PDN is a common consequence of T2DM and is described as numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the lower extremities, symptoms that are similar to RLS. Differentiating the symptoms of PDN and RLS may be confusing and result in misdiagnoses, lack of treatment, and poor outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE It is essential that NPs are knowledgeable about the diagnostic and defining features of RLS as well as the characteristics of other conditions, specifically PDN, which mimics RLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma G Cuellar
- Capstone College of Nursing, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
| | - James Mark Dorn
- Capstone College of Nursing, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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Högl B, Comella C. Therapeutic advances in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Mov Disord 2015; 30:1574-9. [PMID: 26371624 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Levodopa and dopamine agonists have been the main treatment for restless legs syndrome during the past decades. Although their efficacy has been well documented over the short term, long-term dopaminergic treatment is often complicated by augmentation, loss of efficacy, and other side effects. Recent large randomized controlled trials provide new evidence for the efficacy of high-potency opioids and α2δ ligands, and several post hoc analyses, meta-analyses, algorithms, and guidelines have been published, often with a specific focus, for example, on augmentation, or on management of restless legs syndrome during pregnancy. Several new contributions to understanding the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome have been published, but at this time, whether they will have an impact on treatment possibilities in the future cannot be estimated.
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Abstract
"What will you give my child to help him sleep?" is a common question parents ask and some health care providers abhor hearing. Entire families may suffer when one member does not sleep well. Poor sleep may complicate the management of other comorbid conditions. Health care providers may have received only limited education on sleep disorders and are frequently forced to choose between treatment options that are poorly studied in children. Fortunately, when addressed correctly, many children with chronic sleep disorders may improve their sleep and daytime behavior in a relatively short time. This review provides a framework to help understand the causes of poor sleep in children and the potential pharmacologic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Troester
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ; Department of Pediatrics, Creighton University College of Medicine, Omaha, NE; Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Program, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ.
| | - Rafael Pelayo
- Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, CA
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Wijemanne S, Jankovic J. Restless legs syndrome: clinical presentation diagnosis and treatment. Sleep Med 2015; 16:678-90. [PMID: 25979181 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a circadian disorder of sensory-motor integration that may be related to genetically determined dysregulation of iron transport across the blood-brain barrier. Dopamine agonists (DAs) have been considered the first-line therapy, but with the growing appreciation of problems associated with long-term treatment, particularly augmentation and impulse control disorder, alpha-2-delta drugs, such as gabapentin, are now considered the first line of treatment in patients with troublesome RLS. Opioids can be considered as an alternative therapy, particularly in patients with DA-related augmentation. In more severe cases, a combination therapy may be required. Intravenous iron therapy may be considered on those patients with refractory RLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhashie Wijemanne
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
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Galbiati A, Marelli S, Giora E, Zucconi M, Oldani A, Ferini-Strambi L. Neurocognitive function in patients with idiopathic Restless Legs Syndrome before and after treatment with dopamine-agonist. Int J Psychophysiol 2015; 95:304-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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