Pulsed nicotine infusions as a model for smoking: validating a tool to explore nicotine thresholds in humans.

Rationale: No previous studies examined the discriminative stimulus effects of intravenous (IV) nicotine in humans.

Objectives: To evaluate a pulsed IV nicotine infusion procedure designed to mimic inhaled nicotine delivery and to identify a range of nicotine doses that may capture the threshold doses for the subjective and discriminative stimulus effects of nicotine. By determining these thresholds, we can gain valuable insights into the addictive threshold of nicotine.

Threshold for the pleasurable effects of nicotine are lower than its reinforcing effects during self-administration.

A recent study demonstrated that during a single sampling period, 0.1 mg of intravenous (IV) nicotine (vs. placebo) was found to be the threshold for subjective and physiological drug effects.

Opioid-induced analgesia among persons with opioid use disorder receiving methadone or buprenorphine: A systematic review of experimental pain studies.

Background: Treating acute pain among persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is complex, and the therapeutic benefits of opioids remain unclear when weighted against their abuse potential and respiratory depressant effects.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of experimental pain studies examining opioid-induced analgesia among persons with OUD on OAT. We searched multiple databases from inception to July 30, 2021.

The Pharmacology of Buprenorphine Microinduction for Opioid Use Disorder.

Although expanding the availability of buprenorphine-a first-line pharmacotherapy for opioid-use disorder (OUD)-has increased the capacity of healthcare systems to offer treatment, starting this medication is fraught with significant barriers. Standard induction regimens require persons with OUD to taper and discontinue full opioid agonists and experience opioid withdrawal prior to the first dose of buprenorphine. Further, emerging evidence indicates that precipitated withdrawal during induction may impact long-term treatment outcomes.

Threshold dose for intravenous nicotine self-administration in young adult non-dependent smokers.

Rationale: Reducing nicotine content of inhaled tobacco products may prevent nicotine addiction, but the threshold for nicotine reinforcement has not been systematically evaluated in controlled human laboratory studies.

Objectives: The current study uses a novel double-blind placebo-controlled intravenous (IV) nicotine self-administration (NSA) model to determine threshold for subjective effects of nicotine and nicotine reinforcement using a forced choice self-administration procedure.

Methods: Young adults (n = 34) had 5 laboratory sessions after overnight nicotine abstinence.

The effects of inhaled flavors on intravenous nicotine.

Menthol is the only available flavor in combusted tobacco cigarettes; however, e-cigarettes are available in thousands of flavors. Research on flavors and rewarding properties of nicotine is limited. The present study sought to examine the acute rewarding effects of flavors inhaled from an e-cigarette, in combination with intravenous (IV) nicotine among cigarette smokers.

Buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder: recent progress.

: Opioid use disorder (OUD) has risen globally and is exerting an enormous toll on public health in many countries, particularly in the United States (US). Buprenorphine (BUP) has become one of the mainstays of pharmacological treatment for OUD and newer delivery methods have been developed to improve its effectiveness in treatment. : We provide a review of BUP products available for OUD, with a focus on the newer long-acting formulations.

Hyperprolactinemia associated with psychotropics--a review.

Introduction: Different classes of psychotropics can cause hyperprolactinemia to varying degrees. Among antipsychotics, typical agents and risperidone are the most frequent and significant offenders. In this review we discuss the pathophysiology, offending medications, assessment and management of hyperprolactinemia.