Substance Dependence Flashcards
Without inpatient medical support, alcohol withdrawal in severely dependent patients can lead to what symptoms?
Seizures, delirium tremens, death.
How can moderate alcohol dependence often be treated?
In a community setting.
Which drugs are commonly used to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Long-acting benzodiazepines. Carbamazepine (unlicensed) is sometimes used when benzodiazepines are contraindicated or not tolerated or clomethiazole
Patients in alcohol withdrawal with clear agitation or hallucinations or at risk of delirium tremens may be treated with which drugs?
Oral lorazepam then IV haloperidol/lorazepam
Which drugs are the first line for the prevention of relapse in alcohol dependence?
Acamprosate and naltrexone.
If acamprosate and naltrexone are contraindicated or not tolerated, what other drug can be used to prevent relapse in alcohol dependence?
Disulfiram.
Nalmefene is licensed for the reduction of alcohol consumption in which patients?
Patients with alcohol dependence who have a high drinking risk.
Which treatments are effective aids to smoking cessation?
NRT, bupropion, varenicline.
Is nicotine replacement therapy with bupropion and varenicline recommended?
No.
When smoking is stopped, what may need to happen to the patient’s other medication? Why?
The doses may need adjusting due to the reduced induction of CYP1A2 by nicotine.
Patients on varenicline should be advised to discontinue treatment when which symptoms occur?
Agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts.
Which patients should be monitored closely when taking varenicline?
Patients with a history of psychiatric illness.
How long after untreated heroin withdrawal do withdrawal symptoms show? After how long do they subside?
After 8 hours, subsiding after 5 days.
How long after stopping methadone or buprenorphine treatment do withdrawal symptoms occur, in relation to those of heroin?
Withdrawal occurs later with longer lasting symptoms.
Which drugs are used in opioid substitution therapy?
Methadone and buprenorphine.
After how many days missed opioid substitution therapy dose are patients at greater risk of overdose? What should be done in these cases?
Three or more days due to reduced tolerance. Consider reducing next dose.