Tobacco use is a complex behavior influenced by both environmental factors and genetic predispositions. A recent study leveraging the UCLA ATLAS biobank explored the genetic underpinnings of Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD) and its systemic health effects using a Polygenic Score (PGS). Highlights: Genetic Underpinnings of Tobacco Use: The study used a European ancestry-derived PGS to …
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) remains a significant public health crisis, with buprenorphine emerging as a key medication in its treatment. Approved by the FDA, buprenorphine works as a partial opioid agonist, helping reduce opioid use and improve treatment retention rates compared to placebo. Despite its effectiveness, challenges in patient retention and optimal treatment duration persist. …
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a critical tool in the fight against smoking addiction, offering a beacon of hope for millions looking to quit. Recent studies have delved deep into the nuances of NRT, providing invaluable insights into its effectiveness, safety, and application. Highlights: Combination NRT has been found to be more effective than single-form …
Nicotine addiction is not just a habit; it’s a complex interplay of molecular changes altering the brain’s function and structure. Recent research sheds light on how nicotine interacts with our genetic makeup, leading to persistent cravings and relapse. Highlights: Nicotine & Epigenetic Modification: Nicotine alters the way genes are expressed in the brain, affecting behavior …
In the ever-evolving fight against tobacco addiction, the potential of antidepressants, particularly bupropion and nortriptyline, as smoking cessation aids has come into sharp focus. A comprehensive review evaluated the efficacy, potential harms, and tolerability of these medications, providing insights into their role in helping smokers quit. Highlights: Bupropion significantly increases the chances of long-term smoking …
Bunavail is a bucally-formatted medication comprised of buprenorphine and naloxone that was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of opioid dependence. The buprenorphine component of Bunavail functions as a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist whereby it stimulates mu-opioid receptors in the brain to prevent opioid cravings and/or attenuate harsh withdrawal symptoms upon cessation …
Ibogaine is a psychoactive indole alkaloid derived from plants of the Apocynaceae family, including: Tabernanthe iboga, Voacanga africana and Tabernaemontana undulata. When ingested by humans, ibogaine induces a psychedelic response with dissociative and opioidergic properties. The [subjective] experience of ibogaine is often described as biphasic such that the first phase (4 to 6 hours) is …