SUD Flashcards
Heavy Alcohol Use
Binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past 30 days
When does USE become a DISORDER?
A problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
* Impaired control
* Social impairment
* Risky use
* Physical dependence
Impaired control
- Larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from substances
Social impairment
- Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use substances
- Failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home
- Continued substance use despite social or interpersonal problems
- Social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use
What are some symptoms of opioid withdrawal?
- Sweating/chills
- Shakes/tremors
- Muscle aches
- Agitation/anxiety
- Runny nose/eyes
- Yawning
- Insomnia
Why is fentanyl problematic?
- T1/2 2-4 hours
- Transdermal (20-27 hr)
- Fentanyl is HIGHLY lipophilic, leading to concentration in fat tissue and additional considerations during withdrawal management
What are some Withdrawal treatment options for pain, anxiety, diarrhea, and insomnia?
- Pain–> NSAIDs, APAP, Diclofenac
- Anxiety–> Hydroxyzine
- Diarrhea–> Loperamide
- Insomnia–> Trazodone, Melatonin
According to the ASAM National Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of OUD, what is the recommended treatment for abrupt cessation of opioids?
Methadone or buprenorphine
What are the alpha 2 agonist?
Clonidine & Lofexidine
What are the MOA of clonidine & lofexidine?
- Alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist
- Symptomatic relief–> Reduced sympathetic outflow from the CNS, decreased peripheral resistance, vascular resistance, heart rate and blood pressure
What is the place of therapy of clonidine & lofexidine?
- Inpatient/outpatient withdrawal management
- ONLY Lofexidine FDA approved
What is the dosing of clonidine?
Clonidine 0.1-0.2 mg every 4 hours PRN based on COWS score–> Limited by ADEs
What are the ADEs of clonidine and lofexidine?
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Fatigue
MOA of Methadone
Full agonist at mu opioid receptor
What is the place of therapy of methadone?
Inpatient/outpatient withdrawal management*
Detoxification with methadone can only be done in specially licensed outpatient facilities UNLESS…
* Inpatient and admitted for something other than opioid addiction/withdrawal
* Outpatient prescription for 72 hours to cover patient until entering detox facility
What is the dosing of methadone?
20-30 mg on Day 1 to target withdrawal symptoms–> do NOT exceed 40 mg
* Reduce daily or every other day – usually by about 5 mg daily
What are the ADE of methadone?
- QT prolongation
- Hypotension/orthostatic hypotension
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Nausea/vomiting
- Respiratory
MOA of Buprenorphine
Partial mu opioid receptor agonist with HIGH binding affinity
- Given Buprenorphine’s high binding affinity, it will displace ANY opioids in the patient’s system from opioid receptors and may cause “precipitated withdrawal.” It is important to wait until the patient is experiencing mild-moderate withdrawal before initiation
What is the place of therapy of buprenorphine?
Inpatient/outpatient withdrawal management
What is the dose of buprenorphine?
2 mg every 4 hours PRN based on COWS score
What are the ADE of buprenorphine?
- Hypotension
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Nausea
What is the maintenance dose of methadone?
80-120 mg once daily
What is the safety of methadone?
- QTc interval prolongation and cardiac arrythmias, and has a higher potential for drug-drug interactions
- Considered a preferred treatment in pregnancy since withdrawal, which lead to fetal distress, is not necessary to start Methadone
What are the risk factors for QTc prolongation?
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Impaired liver function
- Structural heart disease
- Genetic predisposition
- Use of other QTc prolonging drugs
What are the drug interactions of methadone?
- Alter absorption, metabolism, and/or excretion
- Additive or synergistic sedative or respiratory suppressant effects
- Prolong QTc intervals
What are some clinical pearls of methadone?
- Federal regulations mandate that methadone must be dispensed from designated Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs)–> Retail pharmacies may only dispense for 72 hours for OUD!
What is the maintenance dose of buprenorphine?
-Dosed daily or BID, titrated to control withdrawal symptoms and cravings
-Usual dosing range is 16-24 mg/day of buprenorphine (before fentanyl ERA)
What is the safety of buprenorphine?
Requires proper administration technique (SL/Buccal) and mouth should be rinsed after use to prevent long-term dental decay