SOC 3382 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Chronic Toxicity, Dextromethorphan, Harm Reduction
12 Nov 2020
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Natural activators of opioid receptors: enkephalins: found in brain extracts, act like morphine and are many times more potent, endorphins: morphinelike substances found in brain tissue, have potent opioid effects. Drugs that block the action of opioids: examples: naloxone or nalorphine. Effects: reverse the depressed respiration resulting from an opioid overdose, precipitate a withdrawal syndrome if given to dependent people, prevent dependent individuals from experiencing a high from further opioid use. Harm reduction strategy: several cities have initiated programs that provide naloxone to illicit opioid users and their partners, friends, and slash or family members, results in fewer overdose deaths. Pain relief: reduce the emotional response to pain, diminish the patient"s awareness of and response to the aversive stimulus, typically cause drowsiness but do not induce sleep. Treatment of intestinal disorders: counteract diarrhea and the resulting dehydration, decrease the number of peristaltic contractions, which is the type of contraction responsible for moving food through the intestines.
