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Substance Abuse 2022Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous stimulant associated with numerous adverse health, psychological, and social impacts. Family and friends of people... (Review)
Review
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous stimulant associated with numerous adverse health, psychological, and social impacts. Family and friends of people who use methamphetamine often take on a crucial caregiving role in supporting their loved one. Consequently, they can experience a range of psychosocial challenges themselves. This review aimed to identify and assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to support caregivers of people who use methamphetamine. A systematic search of relevant literature published in the English language was conducted. Of 2257 records identified, only 2 evaluation studies examined interventions specifically designed for caregivers of people who use methamphetamine. Additionally, four qualitative accounts described experiences of caring for people who use methamphetamine. These accounts were summarized narratively to provide a more complete picture of family and caregiver experiences and coping strategies. Effective treatment components included tending to caregiver concerns and providing training to enhance informational support and problem-solving skills. Qualitative accounts uncovered a range of challenges experienced by caregivers, such as emotional distress, concern for the person using methamphetamine, disrupted family structures, and financial difficulties. Coping strategies included attempts at managing and supporting the person using methamphetamine while protecting the overall cohesion and wellbeing of the family unit. This review highlighted a lack of evidence-based interventions for caregivers of people who use methamphetamine. More research is needed to clarify concerns that may be particularly relevant for those in a caregiving role.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Caregivers; Family; Friends; Humans; Methamphetamine
PubMed: 35617624
DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2022.2074600 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jun 2021This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the change in inflammation biomarkers level among chronic psychoactive substance users. To meet the required inclusion... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the change in inflammation biomarkers level among chronic psychoactive substance users. To meet the required inclusion criteria, all studies had to describe human participants with an age ≥18y., experiencing chronic psychostimulant (nicotine, amphetamine, cocaine), sedative (benzodiazepine, opioids) and/or cannabinoid use. The comparison group was defined as healthy participants. Studies where included if they reported at least one of the pro/inflammatory biomarkers. Study bias was examined by Funnel plots and heterogeneity by computing the I statistics. Only 21 eligible studies were selected based on 26,216 study participants. A small and significant effect size of 0.18 mg/l (95 % CI:0.10-0.27) was detected in favour of chronic smokers (z = 4.33;P < 0.0001). There was evidence of publication bias for studies measuring IL-6 and IL-10 association with cocaine and IL-6 in association with cannabis. In summary, except for chronic tobacco users, there was no evidence of association between other chronic substances abuse and inflammatory levels. More studies are needed to inform policy and decision makers about the utility of anti-inflammatory based targeted intervention programmes.
Topics: Amphetamines; Analgesics, Opioid; Cannabis; Cocaine; Humans; Inflammation
PubMed: 33639179
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.031 -
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford,... Oct 2022Small-scale clinical studies with psychedelic drugs have shown promising results for the treatment of several mental disorders. Before psychedelics become registered... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Small-scale clinical studies with psychedelic drugs have shown promising results for the treatment of several mental disorders. Before psychedelics become registered medicines, it is important to know the full range of adverse events (AEs) for making balanced treatment decisions.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the presence of AEs during and after administration of serotonergic psychedelics and 3,4-methyenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in clinical studies.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov for clinical trials with psychedelics since 2000 describing the results of quantitative and qualitative studies.
RESULTS
We included 44 articles (34 quantitative + 10 qualitative), describing treatments with MDMA and serotonergic psychedelics (psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and ayahuasca) in 598 unique patients. In many studies, AEs were not systematically assessed. Despite this limitation, treatments seemed to be overall well tolerated. Nausea, headaches, and anxiety were commonly reported acute AEs across diagnoses and compounds. Late AEs included headaches (psilocybin, MDMA), fatigue, low mood, and anxiety (MDMA). One serious AE occurred during MDMA administration (increase in premature ventricular contractions requiring brief hospitalization); no other AEs required medical intervention. Qualitative studies suggested that psychologically challenging experiences may also be therapeutically beneficial. Except for ayahuasca, a large proportion of patients had prior experience with psychedelic drugs before entering studies.
CONCLUSIONS
AEs are poorly defined in the context of psychedelic treatments and are probably underreported in the literature due to study design (lack of systematic assessment of AEs) and sample selection. Acute challenging experiences may be therapeutically meaningful, but a better understanding of AEs in the context of psychedelic treatments requires systematic and detailed reporting.
Topics: Banisteriopsis; Hallucinogens; Headache; Humans; Lysergic Acid Diethylamide; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Psilocybin
PubMed: 36017784
DOI: 10.1177/02698811221116926 -
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports Mar 2024To update the major depressive disorder (MDD) treatment guidelines of the Japanese Society of Mood Disorders, we conducted a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
To update the major depressive disorder (MDD) treatment guidelines of the Japanese Society of Mood Disorders, we conducted a systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of available antidepressants in Japan for older adults with MDD.
METHODS
Outcome measures included response rate (primary), improvement in depressive symptom scale score, remission rate, all-cause discontinuation, discontinuation due to adverse events, and at least one adverse event. A random-effects model was used to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).
RESULTS
Nine double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials (n = 2145) were identified. No study has been conducted in Japan. Our meta-analysis included the following antidepressants: duloxetine, escitalopram, imipramine, sertraline, venlafaxine, and vortioxetine. Antidepressants have significantly higher response rates than placebo (RR [95% CI] = 1.38 [1.04, 1.83], p = 0.02). Antidepressants outperformed placebo in terms of improving depressive symptom scale score (SMD [95% CI] = -0.62 [-0.92, -0.33], p < 0.0001). However, antidepressants were associated with a higher discontinuation rate due to adverse events (RR [95% CI] = 1.94 [1.30, 2.88], p = 0.001) and a higher incidence of at least one adverse event (RR [95% CI] = 1.11 [1.02, 1.21], p = 0.02) compared to placebo. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of remission rate or all-cause discontinuation.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis concluded that treatment with antidepressants available in Japan is only weakly recommended for moderate to severe MDD in older adults.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Depressive Disorder, Major; Japan; Antidepressive Agents; Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Venlafaxine Hydrochloride; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38318955
DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12422 -
Drug and Alcohol Review Jul 2020Methamphetamine use is a problem for health and criminal justice systems (CJS) worldwide. Methamphetamine is used at higher rates in CJS-involved populations than the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
ISSUES
Methamphetamine use is a problem for health and criminal justice systems (CJS) worldwide. Methamphetamine is used at higher rates in CJS-involved populations than the general community. This systematic review synthesises the evidence for health and CJS outcomes post-CJS contact for people reporting pre-CJS methamphetamine use.
APPROACH
Academic databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed original studies using a longitudinal design that investigated associations between pre-CJS methamphetamine use and health and criminal justice outcomes after CJS contact. Identified studies were screened in two stages: title and abstract, then full-text. Data from the included studies were extracted and analysed. Results are reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.
KEY FINDINGS
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria: five investigated health and four investigated CJS outcomes. Pre-CJS methamphetamine use was associated with subsequent hospitalisation for drug-induced psychosis, increased risk of recidivism and higher crime costs after CJS contact. Pre-CJS methamphetamine use was not associated with subsequent hospitalisation for non-drug induced psychosis or post-release mortality.
IMPLICATIONS
Current evidence suggests that pre-CJS contact methamphetamine use increases the risk of subsequent drug-induced psychosis and recidivism. There is a need for more longitudinal research that measures mediators and moderators of health and criminal justice outcomes after CJS contact, to inform targeted prevention.
CONCLUSION
Methamphetamine use is a major problem that is contributing to serious mental illness and recidivism among CJS-involved populations. Prioritising treatment during CJS contact is recommended. Further research to identify key opportunities during health service and CJS contact for intervention is needed.
Topics: Central Nervous System Stimulants; Criminal Law; Databases, Factual; Health Status; Humans; Methamphetamine; Observational Studies as Topic; Substance-Related Disorders; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32212214
DOI: 10.1111/dar.13062 -
Burns : Journal of the International... Aug 2021Triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) is widely used for hypertrophic scars and keloids; however, TAC has variable efficacy and safety in different individuals. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) is widely used for hypertrophic scars and keloids; however, TAC has variable efficacy and safety in different individuals.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional TAC for treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids.
DATA SOURCES
Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov prior to 25 March 2020.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized controlled trials in English that compared TAC with a placebo or other medications that are commonly used for intralesional injection in hypertrophic scars and keloids.
DATA EXTRACTION
Primary outcomes were reduction in scar height, vascularity, pliability, pigmentation, total scores on the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) or patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS), telangiectasia, and skin atrophy. Secondary outcomes included overall scar improvement.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Fifteen trials met the inclusion criteria. In the short term, TAC was associated with a significant improvement in vascularity (MD: -0.22, 95% CI: -0.42 to -0.02) and pliability (MD: -0.25, 95% CI: -0.44 to -0.06) compared to verapamil. In the medium term, compared to TAC, 5-FU showed a significant improvement in scar height (SMD: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.15-1.75), while TAC led to a significant improvement in vascularity compared to 5-FU (MD: -0.45, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.14). Compared to TAC, TAC+5-FU showed a significant improvement in pliability (SMD: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.17-1.78) and pigmentation (MD: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.12-0.78). Botulinum toxin type A resulted in significantly better pliability (SMD: 1.99, 95% CI: 0.98-3.00) compared to TAC. In the long term, compared to TAC, 5-FU led to a significant improvement in scar height (MD: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.17-0.93), but significantly less vascularity (MD: -0.35, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.05). Compared to TAC, TAC+5-FU produced a significant improvement in scar height (MD: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12-1.88), pliability (MD: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.10-0.80), and pigmentation (MD: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.24-0.86).
CONCLUSION
TAC may be beneficial for the short-term treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids; however, 5-FU, 5-FU+TAC, and verapamil may produce superior results for medium- and long-term treatments. TAC injections at concentrations of 20 mg/ml or 40 mg/ml are more likely to result in skin atrophy compared to 5-FU or verapamil, and are more likely to cause telangiectasia than 5-FU, 5-FU+TAC, or bleomycin.
Topics: Atrophy; Burns; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Culture Media; Fluorouracil; Humans; Injections, Intralesional; Keloid; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Telangiectasis; Treatment Outcome; Triamcinolone Acetonide; Verapamil
PubMed: 33814214
DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2021.02.013 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Oct 2022The relationship between amphetamine use and aggressive or violent behaviour is unclear. This review examined laboratory data collected in humans, who were administered... (Review)
Review
The relationship between amphetamine use and aggressive or violent behaviour is unclear. This review examined laboratory data collected in humans, who were administered an acute dose of amphetamine or methamphetamine, in order to investigate the link between amphetamines and aggression. It is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019127711). Included in the analysis are data from twenty-eight studies. Behavioural and/or subjective measures of aggression were assessed in one thousand and sixty-nine research participants, with limited amphetamine-use histories, following a single amphetamine dose (0-35 mg). The available published evidence indicates that neither amphetamine nor methamphetamine acutely increased aggression as assessed by traditional laboratory measures. Future research should assess supratherapeutic amphetamine doses as well as include a broader range of multiple aggression measures, facilitating simultaneous assessment of the various components that comprise this complex, multifaceted construct.
Topics: Aggression; Amphetamine; Amphetamine-Related Disorders; Humans; Methamphetamine
PubMed: 35926727
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104805 -
The Journal of Obstetrics and... Jul 2023The aim of this study is to perform a Bayesian network meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic bolus of different doses of ephedrine,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
The aim of this study is to perform a Bayesian network meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic bolus of different doses of ephedrine, phenylephrine, and norepinephrine for the prevention of spinal hypotension during cesarean section.
METHODS
The Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library were searched until to May 20, 2022. The indicators included incidence of hypotension, reactive hypertension, bradycardia, nausea and vomiting, umbilical artery pH, and Apgar scores.
RESULTS
About 3125 related records were obtained and 17 RCTs met our eligibility criteria. Based on the results, prophylactic bolus injection of 21-30 mg ephedrine (82%) was the best efficacious option for preventing hypotension, followed by 13-16 μg norepinephrine and 81-120 mg phenylephrine; 121-150 μg phenylephrine had the highest probability (62%) caused reactive hypertension, followed by 11-30 mg ephedrine; phenylephrine was most likely to cause bradycardia in a dose-dependent manner; 81-120 μg phenylephrine had the highest probability (37%) which associated with IONV; 6-12 μg norepinephrine (31%) had the lowest influence on IONV and had highest probability (34%) associated with improving umbilical arterial pH; 13-16 μg norepinephrine had highest probability (67% at 1 min, 49% at 5 min) which associated with improving Apgar scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on this study, 5-10 mg ephedrine and 13-16 μg norepinephrine prophylactic bolus injection may be the optimum dosage of three drugs prevent spinal-induced hypotension, which has the least impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Phenylephrine; Ephedrine; Norepinephrine; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Cesarean Section; Bradycardia; Network Meta-Analysis; Bayes Theorem; Anesthesia, Spinal; Hypotension; Hypertension; Anesthesia, Obstetrical; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 37170779
DOI: 10.1111/jog.15671 -
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford,... Jan 2024Classic psychedelics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT),... (Review)
Review
Classic psychedelics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, mescaline, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), are potent psychoactive substances that have been studied for their physiological and psychological effects. However, our understanding of the potential interactions and outcomes when using these substances in combination with other drugs is limited. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on drug-drug interactions between classic psychedelics and other drugs in humans. We conducted a thorough literature search using multiple databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and other sources to supplement our search for relevant studies. A total of 7102 records were screened, and studies involving human data describing potential interactions (as well as the lack thereof) between classic psychedelics and other drugs were included. In total, we identified 52 studies from 36 reports published before September 2, 2023, encompassing 32 studies on LSD, 10 on psilocybin, 4 on mescaline, 3 on DMT, 2 on 5-MeO-DMT and 1 on ayahuasca. These studies provide insights into the interactions between classic psychedelics and a range of drugs, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilisers, recreational drugs and others. The findings revealed various effects when psychedelics were combined with other drugs, including both attenuated and potentiated effects, as well as instances where no changes were observed. Except for a few case reports, no serious adverse drug events were described in the included studies. An in-depth discussion of the results is presented, along with an exploration of the potential molecular pathways that underlie the observed effects.
Topics: Humans; Hallucinogens; Psilocybin; Mescaline; N,N-Dimethyltryptamine; Drug Interactions; Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
PubMed: 37982394
DOI: 10.1177/02698811231211219 -
Heart (British Cardiac Society) Jan 2023To conduct a systematic review of observational studies on methamphetamine-associated heart failure (MethHF) . (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review of observational studies on methamphetamine-associated heart failure (MethHF) .
METHODS
Six databases were searched for original publications on the topic. Title/abstract and included full-text publications were reviewed in duplicate. Data extraction and critical appraisal for risk of bias were performed in duplicate.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies are included in the final analysis. Results could not be combined because of heterogeneity in study design, population, comparator, and outcome assessment. Overall risk of bias is moderate due to the presence of confounders, selection bias and poor matching; overall certainty in the evidence is very low. MethHF is increasing in prevalence, affects diverse racial/ethnic/sociodemographic groups with a male predominance; up to 44% have preserved left-ventricular ejection fraction. MethHF is associated with significant morbidity including worse heart failure symptoms compared with non-methamphetamine related heart failure. Female sex, methamphetamine abstinence and guideline-directed heart failure therapy are associated with improved outcomes. Chamber dimensions on echocardiography and fibrosis on biopsy predict the extent of recovery after abstinence.
CONCLUSIONS
The increasing prevalence of MethHF with associated morbidity underscores the urgent need for well designed prospective studies of people who use methamphetamine to accurately assess the epidemiology, clinical features, disease trajectory and outcomes of MethHF. Methamphetamine abstinence is an integral part of MethHF treatment; increased availability of effective non-pharmacological interventions for treatment of methamphetamine addiction is an essential first step. Availability of effective pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine addiction will further support MethHF treatment. Using harm reduction principles in an integrated addiction/HF treatment programme will bolster efforts to stem the increasing tide of MethHF.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Methamphetamine; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left; Prospective Studies; Heart Failure
PubMed: 36456204
DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2022-321610