Prescriptions
Name two medications that are commonly used for opioid treatment.
Methadone, Suboxone, Vivitrol
Can a single dose of a prescribed painkiller result in opioid addiction?
Not exactly. Addiction occurs when someone repeatedly uses a substance to the point that the reward system in their brain becomes desensitized to that substance. This is why a person may start to need the substance in larger amounts to get the same effect.
What medicine can reverse an opioid overdose?
Naloxone / Narcan
True or False
Opioid antagonists are medications that bind to opioid receptors and produce a similar effect to opioids.
False
Opioid antagonists are medications that bind to opioid receptors to BlOCK the effects of opioids.
True or False
The use of opioids can cause hormonal changes, such as decreased testosterone levels in men and irregular menstrual cycles in women.
True
True or False
Doctors sometimes prescribe fentanyl for their patients.
True. Fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after for surgery so it is important to disclose your recovery to your doctor!
What is opioid tolerance?
A person needs more of a substance to get the same affect
Name some factors that affect if opioid overdose reversal treatment works
Not always. The effectiveness of naloxone depends on several factors:
What is the most common gastrointestinal issue that occurs with opioid use?
The use of opioids can cause constipation, which can be managed with laxatives and other treatments.
What were the two original uses for heroin?
Pain reliever and cough suppressant
What is the most commonly prescribed opioid in the world?
Hydrocodone (Lortab, Norco, and Vicodin)
Can people can safely detox from opioids on their own? Why or why not?
It is possible to self-detox BUT NOT SAFE. Self-detoxing from opioids can be life threatening due to complications from severe withdrawal symptoms. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea may result, if untreated, in dehydration, hypernatraemia (elevated blood sodium level) and resultant heart failure.
What are some signs that a person is overdosing?
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Gurgling, choking, or snoring sound while breathing
- Blue-gray lips and fingertip
- Not reacting when you rub your knuckles on their chest
True or False
Some people who use opioids may experience paradoxical effects, such as increased pain or anxiety.
True
True or False
Opium was given to infants in the 1800s
Nearly all infants and young children in Britain during the 1800s were given opium, often from the day they were born. Dozens of patent medicines (with appealing names such as Godfrey’s Cordial, A Pennysworth of Peace, and Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup) were used to dull teething pain or colic, or merely to keep the children quiet
True or False: Long-term use of prescription opioids prescribed by a doctor is safe.
False. Long-term use of prescription opioids, even as prescribed by a doctor, can cause some people to develop a tolerance. Drug dependence occurs with repeated use, causing the brain to adapt so they only function normally in the presence of the drug.
What is opioid dependence?
When people stop taking the drug, they have physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. Their body needs the drug to function "normally."
If someone responds positively to an opioid reversal medication after overdose, are they safe to go home? Why or why not?
Naloxone works to reverse opioid overdose in the body for only 30 to 90 minutes. But many opioids remain in the body longer than that. Because of this, it is possible for a person to still experience the effects of an overdose after a dose of naloxone wears off. People who are given naloxone should be observed constantly until emergency care arrives. They should be monitored for another 2 hours after the last dose of naloxone is given to make sure breathing does not slow or stop.
Therefore, one of the most important steps to take is to call 911 so the individual can receive immediate medical attention
What are the body's naturally produced, morphine-like molecules called?
Endorphins!
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which age group has the highest percentage of past year heroin use?
a) 12 to 17
b) 18 to 25
c) 26 and older
b) 18 to 25
True or False
Opioid use can lead to intestinal spasms
True. Opioid medications decrease the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and reduce the pushing of food through the intestines, a condition that can lead to intestinal spasms.
True or False
Opioid receptors are located in areas of the brain that regulate pain, reward, and stress.
True.
After giving the first dose of the opioid reversal medication, how long should you wait to give another dose if the person is not responding?
3 to 5 minutes
Where are the body's opioid receptors located?
Opioid receptors are located throughout the body, including in the brain, spinal cord, and other organs and tissues.
True or False
If a woman is pregnant and is addicted to opioids, her doctor will advise her to stop taking opioids immeditely.
False. If she stops taking opioids immediately, it can send her and the baby into withdrawals.