Agonist antagonist substitution addiction evaluation

Question 1

Alternative to methadone

Answer 1

buprenorphine

Question 2

what properties does buprenorphine have?

Answer 2

agonist and antagonist

Question 3

explain what is means that buprenorphine had both agonist and antagonist properties?

Answer 3

it can bind to a receptor and imitate the action of a substance but it can also block the action of a substance

Question 4

How many times safer is buprenorphine than methadone

Answer 4

6x due to the ceiling effect - less risk of overdose

once a certain amount has been taken increasing dosage has no further effect

Question 5

Downside to buprenorphine

Answer 5

Still causes withdrawal symptoms

Question 6

what is an issue of studies not following up over a long period of time?

Answer 6

doesn’t show if drugs decrease in their effectiveness overtime
doesn’t show if relapse occurs

Question 7

addicts often experience other social and psychological issues in addition to addiction what is an issue of this?

Answer 7

can influence results of effectiveness of the drugs

Question 8

Generic points

Answer 8

• Still has side effects
• economics
• Ethical issues
• Social issues