Opioids: Difference between revisions
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== Considerations in Physiotherapy == | == Considerations in Physiotherapy == | ||
Following the surge of prescribing opioids for pain in the late 1990s, there was a steep rise in opioid addiction and overdose deaths which has led healthcare professionals to seek alternative analgesia options. | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 10:58, 19 March 2019
An opioid refers to any substance from a group of analgesic agents derived from the ingredient opium. Opioids are a type of depressant, analgesic drug that slow down the messages being sent through the central nervous system between the body to the brain. Although used to treat pain, opioids can entice euphoric feelings and sedative effects which can be addictive which leads this drug group to be commonly abused.
Clinical Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
Four naturally occurring alkaloids can be isolated from the opium poppy seed (papaver somniferum). These plant-derived amines are morphine, codeine, papaverine and thebaine. These can be used to produce many varieties of semi-synthetic opioids useful in clinical medicine including diamorphine, dihydrocodeine, buprenorphine, nalbuphine, naloxone and oxycodone.
Opioids act on different receptors located on neuronal cell membranes. There are three major types of opioid receptor, m, d and k (mu, delta and kappa). All 3 receptors will produce analgesia when binded with an opioid substance. Activation of k receptors, as with dynorphin, does not produce as much physical dependence as activation of m receptors, as occurs with morphine. The opioid antagonist, naloxone, inhibits all of the opioid receptors which is why its used to treat opioid overdose.[1]
Benefits of Opioids[edit | edit source]
Opioids can produce profound analgesia.
Adverse effects of opioids[edit | edit source]
The adverse effects associated with opioid use include:
- sleep apnoea
- hypothalamic-pituatory axis supression (hormonal changes with the potential for decreased libido, infertility & fluid retention)
- physical dependence and addiction
- opioid-induced hyperalgesia
- dental pathology
- constipation
- increased mortality[2]
Considerations in Physiotherapy[edit | edit source]
Following the surge of prescribing opioids for pain in the late 1990s, there was a steep rise in opioid addiction and overdose deaths which has led healthcare professionals to seek alternative analgesia options.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Pathan, H., & Williams, J. (2012). Basic opioid pharmacology: an update. British journal of pain, 6(1), 11-6.
- ↑ Prescription Opioid Policy. A publication by The Royal Australian College of Physicians, Faculty of Pain Medicine ANZCA, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
