Holistic approach to opioid use disorder: Think nitric oxide!

Holistic approach to opioid use disorder: Think nitric oxide! J Opioid Manag. 2019 Nov/Dec;15(6):521-555 Authors: Sackner MA, Lopez JR, Banderas V, Adams JA Abstract This review deals with opioid addiction, chronic pain, and an innovative, noninvasive technology with simultaneous, beneficial applications for both conditions. This technology, called passive simulated jogging device (GENTLE JOGGER, JD) targets addiction and pain by increasing endothelial nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. It can be self-administered while sitting or lying without resorting to multitasking thereby allowing watching television or operating a computer while effortless, physical activity is produced from motorized foot pedals repetitively striking a bumper at 175-190 times per minute which adds small pulses to the circulation. This action increases shear stress (friction) to vascular endothelium that stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to increase NO that decreases oxidative stress and inflammation, and, slows accelerated vascular ageing associated with opioids. Since the 1970s, clonidine, lofexidine, and dexmedetomidine have been used offlabel to suppress opioid withdrawal symptoms precipitated by excessive release of norepinephrine. These pharmacotherapy aids to withdrawal and tapering opioid dosagadrenoceptor agonists that act through eNOS to inhibit norepinephrine. Increasing NO as with JD and/ or in conjunction with opioid agonists sho...
Source: Journal of Opioid Management - Category: Addiction Tags: J Opioid Manag Source Type: research