Opioid overdose
what is happening in the body when experiencing an opioid overdose
When peptides are released, they calm the body, and slow heart and breathing rates
What illness is opioid withdrawal compared to?
Flu
Have medications for opioid use disorder been approved for use?
Yes, the FDA approved medications that are effective when monitored by a physician
What does it mean to have a built-up tolerance for something?
Over time, more and more of a substance is required to achieve the desired effect it provides.
What do our body's natural opioid peptides do?
Provide a natural balance to extreme stressors
what is the name of the medication (or brand name) that can temporarily stop an opioid overdose?
Naloxone or Narcan
What is withdrawal/when does it occur?
withdrawal occurs when the level of opioids in the body drops sharply
Name 3 medications for opioid use disorder
Methadone
Suboxone
Subutex
Vivitrol (naltrexone, naloxone)
True or false, tolerance can only occur with prescription opioids.
False, you can develop a tolerance to any substance
True or false, opioids prescribed by a medical professional are the same as opioid peptides our bodies make.
False, the effects last longer and are more intense.
By which routes of administration can the medication that stops opioid overdose be given?
injection or nasal spray
Name at least 5 symptoms of withdrawal
fever
nausea
body aches
sweating
vomiting
pain
chills
diarrhea
intense cravings for opioids
What role does medication play in treating an opioid use disorder?
Medications can stabilize an opioid use disorder, helping a person manage cravings and easing symptoms of withdrawal.
How does frequency of use impact tolerance?
Using opioids on a regular or frequent basis develops tolerance.
How many waves have been documented in the opioid epidemic?
Three
How long does the medication that stops opioid overdose last?
30-90 minutes
Why is someone who is experiencing opioid withdrawal in danger or a life-threatening situation?
it causes intense cravings, which can lead to overdose because the tolerance levels are reduced when in withdrawal
What measures must be taken in addition to using medications for opioid use disorder
counseling and other therapeutic support
Why is tolerance dangerous with respect to opioid use disorders?
Developing a tolerance to opioids can be very dangerous because it drives people to seek unhealthy doses of them and can lead to overdose
What opioids are part of the three waves of the opioid epidemic?
Prescription opioids
Heroin
Synthetic opioids
Name at least 4 signs of opioid overdose
low oxygen levels
slow, shallow breathing
abnormal heart rate
fluid buildup in lungs, causing a foamy substance around the mouth and nose
shrinking pupils
"wooden chest" syndrome (chest becomes stiff as blood pressure drops)
DAILY DOUBLE
How long can opioid withdrawal last?
for heroin and short-acting opioid withdrawal, up to 10 days.
for long acting opioids, such as methadone, withdrawal can last 14 or more days
What three ways do medications for opioid use disorder function?
Agonist
Partial agonist
Full antagonist
How does tolerance impact the risk of overdose during withdrawal?
If a person gives into intense cravings during withdrawal, they can easily overdose because they are unaware that their tolerance is no longer where it was at the height of their addiction
After Narcan is administered, why is emergency services still needed?
After Narcan wears off, the symptoms of the opioid overdose can return