Pharm: Drug Abuse

Question 1

What are the medical problems associated with opioid abuse?

Answer 1

acute overdose: respiratory dep, pul edema, CV collapse –> naloxone, support
overdose in chronic user: naloxone may precipitate withdrawal, may only rely on support
abstinence: in neonates of dependent mothers
Ts and blues: seizures, psychotic episodes, sc abscesses and muscle necrosis
complications related to admin: inf, needles

Question 2

What are the medical problems associated with abuse of CNS depressants?

Answer 2

overdose: treat symptoms, no good antagonist (exception: flumazenil for benzo intox)
withdrawal: dangerous, stabilize on CNS depressant and withdraw slowly
alcoholism: gastritis, cirrhosis, Korsakoff’s psychosis, Wernicke’s encephalopathy