Drugs Misuse Flashcards
What is lofexidine?
Alpha blocker licensed for management of opiate withdrawal.
What is clonidine?
Similar in use to lofexidine but inlicensed and causes marked reduction in blood pressure.
What are the licensed treatments available in the UK for opiate substitution therapy?
Methadone and Buprenorphine,
What is the effective dose range of methadone for most people?
60-120mg daily.
Why and when must an ECG be given to a patient receiving methadone treatment?
Doses >100 mg.
QTc and Torsades des Pointes syndrome.
Why can detoxification be dangerous if the person involved is not motivated?
The risk of overdose from a relapse is greater due to a loss of tolerance.`
There are no effective pharmacological treatments to eliminate the symptoms of withdrawal from______
Stimulants such as cocaine.
What are the risk factors for methadone induction overdose? [5]
- low opioid tolerance (unlikely?)
- Use of CNS depressant drugs, including alcohol.
- Too high initial dose
- Too rapid increases in dose
- Slow methadone clearance
It may take ___ to ___ weeks (or more) to achieve an optimal dose of _______, less with _______
It may take two to four weeks (or more) to achieve an optimal dose with methadone, less with buprenorphine.
In general, the initial daily dose of methadone will be in the range of:
10-30mg
If tolerance is low, then a daily dose of methadone in the range of _______ is more appropriate.
10-20mg
Methadone dosing for detoxification usually reduces at a rate of ___ every one or two weeks.
5mg.
What is naltrexone?
Opioid antagonist which blocks effects of opioids.
Can we force people to accept treatment?
Not unless they are experiencing a mental health disorder, ref: revised mental health bill 2006.
