pharm Flashcards
1
Q
where are opioid receptors located?
A
brain, GI tract, and spinal cord
2
Q
what are the pain processing regions of the brain?
A
brainstem
thalamus
spinal cord
3
Q
what are the reward producing regions of the brain>
A
ventral tegmental area
prefrontal cortex
nucleus accumbens
4
Q
what produces the opioid “high”?
A
massive releases of dopamine in both the pain processing regions and the reward pathway regions
less pain AND a calming euphoria
leads to addiction
positive feedback between opioids and pleasure
5
Q
what route is most associated with the opioid reward pathway?
A
IV injecting
fastest response
6
Q
alternatives for opioids:
A
migraines - triptans
neuropathic pain - gabapentin
joint pain - capsaicin
NSAIDs or Tylenol
