Opiate misuse

Question 1

Three features which make heroin so addictive?

Answer 1

Rapid onset of action
Short half life
Availability

Question 2

What is the pharmacological name of heroin?

Answer 2

Diamorphine

its an opium

Question 3

What is the most popular method of taking heroin?

Answer 3

Injection

Question 4

List some of the effects heroin has:

Answer 4

Euphoria
Analgesia
Respiratory depression
Constipation 
Reduced consciousness 
Increased tolerance

Question 5

List some clinical signs that someone may have taken heroin?

Answer 5

Pupils constricted
Hypotension
Bradycardia

Question 6

List some symptoms of withdrawal:

Answer 6

Dysphoria and cravings
Agitation
Tachycardia
Piloerection
Diarrhoea
Dilated pupils
Joint pain
Runny nose/watery eyes

Question 7

True or false: heroin can cause psychosis or delirium

Answer 7

False

Question 8

When do symptoms of withdrawal tend to kick in?

Answer 8

Within 6-8 hours after taking the drug

Question 9

List some infectious complications of IV use

Answer 9

Local: cellulitis, abscess, necrotising fasciitis
Distant: Infective endocarditis
Systemic: HIV Hep C Hep B

Question 10

List some thrombotic complications of IV use:

Answer 10

DVT
PTE
Ischaemic limb

Question 11

What is OST?

Answer 11

Opiate substitution therapy

Replacement of short acting opiate with a long acting opiate

Question 12

What drugs are used in OST

Answer 12

Methadone

Buprenorphine

Question 13

How is OST carried out?

Answer 13

Once daily, under supervision for the first stages

Mainly given as liquid/tablets