Download Fact Sheet on Narcotic Analgesics

Fact Sheet on Narcotic Analgesics
Online Physiology
Shanna Lehman
What are Opiates?
Opiates are central nervous system depressants used medically to relieve pain. Opiates are
derived from resin of the poppy plant, which grows in countries throughout the world. The resin
can be converted into opium, heroin, codeine and morphine. Other opiates such as meperidine
(Demerol), and Methadone are synthesized or manufactured by modifying the chemicals found
in opium.
Opiates have a high potential for abuse and are found in a variety of forms including powders,
liquids, tablets, syrups, and capsules. Some opiates, such as codeine, meperidine, and morphine
are prescribed by a physician. These drugs are used to relieve pain, cough and diarrhea.
Types of Opiates:
Heroin: white or brownish powder. It may be injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked. Injection is
the most common method of heroin use among addicted users. When injected, the powder is
dissolved in water and heated to produce a liquid. The user then injects the substance either
subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously.
Morphine: provides relief of pain without the loss of consciousness and a powerful sense of
well-being. It produces drowsiness, changes in mood, and mental clouding.
Meperidine: a short-acting synthetic opioid; is less potent than morphine and a widely used
prescription pain reliever for moderate to severe pain.
Oxycodone: is a semisynthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for chronic or long lasting pain. The
medication's active ingredient is oxycodone, which is also found in drugs like Percodan and
Tylox.
Codeine: a naturally occurring narcotic relieves moderate pain and is the most widely abused
prescription drug.
Methadone: often substituted for heroin in the treatment of narcotic-dependent people. Equal
to morphine if injected; more potent if taken orally.
Propoxyphene: related to methadone, but much weaker; about half as potent as codeine. Given
in combination with aspirin.
Fentanyls: very potent narcotic analgesics; often administered by IV for general anesthesia.
Hydromorphone: prepared with morphine and used as cough suppressant.
Buprenorphine: effective in relieving cravings for narcotic pain relievers with little tendency for
addiction.
Pentazocine: precipitates withdrawal symptoms; when taken as analgesic, effects are slightly
greater than codeine.
Tramadol: used as a substitute for opioid painkillers.
Narcotic Related drugs: structurally similar to narcotics or used to treat withdrawals/overdose.
Dextromethorphan, Clonidine, and Naloxone/Naltrexone.
Fact Sheet on Narcotic Analgesics
Online Physiology
Shanna Lehman
Names of Prescription/Illicit Opiates:
Prescription
Methadone
Morphine
Dilaudid
OxyContin
Darvon
Ultram
Prescription (Cont)
Talwin
Suboxone
Subutex
Demerol
Dolene
Catapres
Illegal
Heroin
“Black Tar” Heroin
Meperidine-like designer drug
Street Names for Opiates:
Schoolboy
Viko
Oxycet
White Stuff
Murder 8
Smach
Brown Sugar
Cough Syrup
Norco
M
Dreamer
TNT
H
Henry
T-three’s
Hydro
Miss Emma
Apache
Tango
Train
Horse
Vikes
Ox
Monkey
China Girl
Cash
Thunder
Skag
Therapeutic Uses of Prescription Opiates:
Single drugs used for control of moderate to severe pain:
 Morphine ( Roxanol, MS Contin, Kadian)
 Oxycodone ( Oxycontin)
 Fentanyl ( Duragesic patches, Actiq)
 Hydromorphone ( Dilaudid)
 Meperidine (Demerol)
 Propoxyphene (Darvon, Dolene)
Combination drugs used for control of moderate pain:
 Codeine/Acetaminophen combinations ( Tylenol #2, 3, or 4)
 Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen combinations ( Vicodin)
 Hydrocodone/Ibuprofen combinations (Vicoprofen)
 Oxycodone/Acetaminophen combinations ( Percocet)
 Oxycodone/Aspirin combinations ( Percodan)
Dance Fever
Friend
Goodfella
King Ivory
Dope
Junk
Hero
Fact Sheet on Narcotic Analgesics
Online Physiology
Shanna Lehman
Used in Opiate Maintenance Therapy:
 Methadone ( Dolophine)
 Buprenorphine and Naloxone/Naltrexone (Suboxone)
Used as a cough suppressant:
 Codeine
Used as an antidiarrheal:
 Loperamide (Imodium AD)
 Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)
 Opium Tincture (Paregoric)
Used for abuse:
 Heroin
Withdrawal Effects from Opiates:
Cold Sweats
Aching Limbs
Cramps
Irritation
Runny Nose
Uncontrollable Diarrhea
Severe Depression
Chills
Agitation
Yawning
Nausea
Mounting Panic
Goose Bumps
Anxiety
Insomnia
Vomiting
Strong Cravings
Shakes
Muscle Aches
Dilated Pupils
Health Risks of Abusing Opiates:
Tolerance: When the body adjusts to having a certain drug in its system over a period of time.
More of the drug is needed to cause desired effect. It is a sign the person is using too much, and
may develop a dependency on the drug.
Physical dependence: the body adjusts to having the opiate drug in the system. Any reduction
in the levels of the opiate drug forces the body to re-adjust. This is what we refer to as
withdrawal phase.
Addiction: developing an addiction to the drug. Opiate addiction is an uncontrollable situation
that affects the individual in a biochemical, physical and psychological way. Addiction is a
complex phenomenon characterized by substance abuse, relapse and eventually death.
Physical symptoms include:
 Needle tracks
 Collapsed veins
 Frequent infections
 Acne
 Other skins problems due to poor hygiene
 Heart and valve infections
 Liver problems
Fact Sheet on Narcotic Analgesics
Online Physiology
Shanna Lehman
 Weakened immune system
 Respiratory depression
 Pulmonary/respiratory problems (bronchitis and pneumonia)
Different Treatment Approaches to Opiate Abuse and Dependence:
Rapid detox (The Waismann Method)
 Accelerated Opiate Neuro-Regulation (AONR)
 Treatment is conducted while the patient sleeps comfortably under anesthesia
 An accelerated opiate withdrawal is precipitated with medications
 Patients are transitioned to a complete state of opiate receptor blockade
 When they awake they are free of opiate dependency and have no memory of the
withdrawal process (withdrawal process occurs during a period of hours, rather than
days/weeks)
 Patients typically stay in the hospital for three to four days
 Therapists given time to aid patients through psychological and physical issues
Taking narcotic analgesics
 Methadone: often substituted for heroin in the treatment of narcotic-dependent
people
 Buprenorphine: effective medication for the treatment of narcotic abuse and treatment
 Naloxone/Naltrexone: attach to opiate receptors and prevent narcotics from having an
effect
 Subutex and Suboxone: combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone/Naltrexone and
used to treat opiate dependency
 LAAM (levo-alpha-acetyl-methadol): alternative to methadone that blocks the effects of
opioids for up to 72 hours
Maintenance programs
 Given a narcotic analgesic (usually methadone or Suboxone)
 Counseling
 Therapy
 Medical care
Fact Sheet on Narcotic Analgesics
Online Physiology
Shanna Lehman
References
Communities, G. D. (1994). Opiates. Retrieved October 29, 2011, from FADAA:
www.fadaa.org/services/resource center/resources/JTF/opiates.pdf
Detoxification, A. A. (2011). Rapid Detox Treatment. Retrieved October 29, 2011, from The Waismann
Method: www.opiates.com/rapid-detox/
Foundation, A. H. (2010). Use of Opiates to Manage Pain in Seriously and Terminally Ill Patients.
Retrieved October 29, 2011, from American Hospice Foundation:
www.americanhospice.org/articles-maintenence-8/
Hanson, G., Venturelli, P., & Fleckenstein, A. (2012). Drugs and Society. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett
Learning.
Media, D. (2011). Long Term Effects of Opiate Use. Retrieved October 29, 2011, from Live Strong:
www.livestrong.com/article/72769/long-term-effects-opiate-use/#ixzz1cEellako
Treatment, O. R. (2011). Street Names-opiates. Retrieved October 29, 2011, from Opiate Rehab
Treatment: www.opiaterehabtreatment.com/streetkk-names-opiates