Opiate overdose

Question 1

Define Opiate overdose

Answer 1

Opiate/Opioids-painkillers from Poppy
Tolerance builds quick in use
Overdose leads to resp failure

Question 2

Aetiology and risk factors of opiate overdose

Answer 2

Recent abstinence (reduce tolerance) often is a big risk factor
chronic pain

acts on mu, kappa, delta receptors-very good at reducing pain (depress neurons)-> problems when depress resp center-> resp failure

Question 3

Epidemology of opiate overdose

Answer 3

growing problem world wide-more than heroin now

Question 4

Symptoms and signs of opiate overdose

Answer 4

MIOSIS
BRADYPNOAE
Drowsy and sleepy
dramatic response to naloxone

recent needle marks, lower GI mobility

Question 5

Investigations for opiate overdose

Answer 5

Usually starting some naloxone-have massive effects
ECG-QRS prolong and/or MI signs

Opioid urine screen-positive

Question 6

Treatment of opiate overdose

Answer 6

Naloxone IV every 2 min until breathing

might predicate cramps and diarrhoea