addiction Flashcards
tolerance and dependence: explain how opiates/opioids may produce tolerance and dependence
how do opioids cause tissue tolerance
downregulate receptor on cell membrane as more arrestin produced which internalises receptor
what is opioid withdrawal associated with
psychological craving and physical withdrawal symptoms, which resemble flu
why is opioid withdrawal associated with muscle contraction etc.
cell upregulates cell activity to compensate for opioid-induced suppression (adenylate cyclase converting ATP->cAMP); if then stop opioids, adenylate cyclase increased so causes increased muscle contraction etc.
4 symptoms of opioid overdose
coma, respiratory depression, pin-point pupils, hypotension
treatment of opioid overdose
naloxene (opioid antagonist) i.v.
structure of naloxene (opioid antagonist)
similar to morphine except longer carbon tail on tertiary N
