Addiction Flashcards
At what time frame of alcohol withdrawals are seizures most likely to occur?
36 hours
At what time frame after alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens likely to develop?
72 hours
What medication is usually given to patients with alcohol dependence after a period of no consumption e.g. surgery?
Pabrinex, which contains thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6) and nicotinamide
What is Wernicke’s Encephalopathy? How does it present?
A condition caused by brain damage due to a lack of vitamin B1.
Nystagmus
Confusion/LOC
Ataxia and tremor
What is Korsakoff’s syndrome? How does it present?
The chronic effect of Wernicke’s overtime, due to deficiency in B1.
Hallucinations
Inability to form new memories
Loss of memory, can be severe
Making up stories (confabulation)
What is the mechanism of action in Chlordiazepoxide?
Enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to calm the central nervous system and reduce agitation, tremors, and seizures associated with alcohol withdrawal.
What medication is used in alcohol addiction to cause vomiting if alcohol is ingested?
Disulfram
What is the name of the alcohol “anti-craving” medication used in dependence?
Acamprosate
taken three times a day
What is the name of the sublingual medication given instead of methadone in opioid addiction?
Buprenorphine
