Opioid Use Disorder Flashcards
which opioid receptor is mainly responsible for the opioid analgesic effect?
mu
T or F
kappa opioid receptors contribute to physical dependence
false
T or F
OUD can be cured?
false
can be treated and managed but not cured
what is the leading cause of death OUD?
overdose and trauma
what are the three stages of addiction?
- binge/intoxication
- withdrawal/negative affect
- preoccupation/anticipation
what happens when an opioid attaches to the mu opioid receptor?
triggers a structure in the brain called the mesolimbic (midbrain) reward system in the ventral tegmental area (VTA)
VTA system is responsible for release of DA in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the basal ganglia
release of DA in the NAc = pleasure
in the locus coeruleus: suppress release of NE –> drowsiness, slowed respiration, low BP –> opioid intoxication
what happens in the brain when opioids are taken repeatedly?
triggers the brains reward system driving a compulsion to take the drug again and again
feedback to the prefrontal cortex to the VTA regulates the drive to obtain pleasure - overtime this feedback pathway becomes dysregulated impairing decision making
additionally, opioid receptors in the VTA become less sensitive to opioid stimulation - DA production is reduced and the experience of pleasure/opioid effect is diminished
How fast does naloxone restore breathing?
within 2 to 5 minutes
how long does naloxone last?
effects wear off after 30-90 minutes
what are early symptoms of opioid withdrawal?
seen in hours to days
anxiety/restlessness
sweating
rapid rapid respiration
runny nose, tearing eyes
dilated reactive pupils
other: sympathetic/stimulation
brief increase in pain
what are the late symptoms of opioid withdrawal?
days to weeks
runny nose, tearing eyes
rapid breathing, yawning
tremor, diffuse muscle spasms, bone/joint aches
pilo-erection (gooseflesh skin)
nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain
dysphoria
fever, chills
increase WBCs (if sudden withdrawal)
what are the prolonged symptoms of opioid withdrawal?
weeks to 6 months
irritability, fatigue, malaise, psychological/wellbeing (dysphoria, coping, craving)
bradycardia
decreased body temperature
what can be used to treat aches and pains in opioid withdrawal?
NSAIDs (give regularly initially), acetaminophen
what can be used for nausea/vomiting in opioid withdrawal?
dimenhydrinate, haloperidol
what is used to treat insomnia in opioid withdrawal?
non-drug and sleep hygiene measures
trazodone
what can be used to manage the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal?
clonidine
what can be used to manage sweating associated with opioid withdrawal?
oxybutynin
why should benzodiazepines be avoided in opioid withdrawal?
increase risk of CNS depression/opioid toxicity
how long does opioid withdrawal last?
physical symptoms generally resolve over 5-10 days
psychological symptoms such as dysphoria and insomnia may take longer
what are the s/sx of opioid overdose?
difficulty walking, talking, staying awake
blue lips or nails
very small pupils
cold and clammy skin
dizziness and confusion
extreme drowsiness
choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
slow, weak, or no breathing
inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at
what can lower your tolerance for opioids?
taken a break from using
recently been in detox/treatment
recently been incarcerated
started using recently
lung, liver, and other health issues (e.g., asthma, COPD, hep C)
has a recent overdose
which route of administration is the most dangerous for taking drugs
injecting
T or F
if you are going to mix drugs and alcohol, it is better to drink before doing drugs?
false
drugs before alcohol
how strong is fentanyl?
50-100 times more toxic than morphine
lethal dose is 2mg
why is it dangerous to take too much of an opioid?
lose the urge to breath
breathing slows decreasing oxygen to the brain
can lead to permanent brain injury or death if untreated
T or F
naloxone works for non-opioid ODs
false
what is the MOA of naloxone?
displaces opioids at receptors NOT destroyed
what are the key features of an opioid overdose?
unresponsive
slow breathing
may also have: small pupils, snoring or gurgling, blue lips and nails, cold clammy skin