Addiction Medicine Pharmacotherapy Flashcards

Which medication is commonly used for opioid use disorder?

Answer: Methadone

Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist commonly used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to stabilize and engage in recovery without the euphoric effects of illicit opioids, thereby improving treatment retention and outcomes.

What is the mechanism of action of naltrexone in addiction treatment?

Answer: Opioid receptor blocker

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor blocker, meaning it binds to and blocks opioid receptors in the brain. By doing so, it prevents opioids from producing their euphoric effects, which helps reduce cravings and the reinforcing properties of opioid use, making it a valuable tool in preventing relapse for both opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Which medication helps reduce alcohol cravings?

Answer: Acamprosate

Acamprosate is a medication specifically used to help individuals maintain abstinence from alcohol by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is believed to work by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that are disrupted by chronic alcohol use, thereby decreasing the desire to drink and supporting long-term sobriety.

Which drug can reverse opioid overdose?

Answer: Naloxone

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by displacing opioids from their receptors in the brain. It is a life-saving medication that can restore breathing within minutes, making it a critical tool for emergency response to opioid overdose and preventing fatalities.

Which medication is used as an aversive agent for alcohol use disorder?

Answer: Disulfiram

Disulfiram is an aversive agent used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. When a person taking disulfiram consumes alcohol, it causes an unpleasant physical reaction, including nausea, vomiting, and flushing. This deterrent effect helps support abstinence by creating a strong negative association with alcohol consumption.

Why is buprenorphine considered a partial agonist?

Answer: It partially stimulates opioid receptors

Buprenorphine is considered a partial opioid agonist because it partially stimulates opioid receptors in the brain, rather than fully activating them. This partial stimulation helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing the same level of euphoria or respiratory depression as full agonists, making it a safer and effective option for Medication-Assisted Treatment.