Narcotics

• Narcotics are downers because all symptoms are low
• Purpose of narcotics use: to escape reality
• Codeine is the weakest narcotics, while fentanyl is the strongest one 
• Narcotics - mnemonic: CHHOMMM
• Narcotics

  CHHOMMM

  • codeine
  • heroine
  • hydromorphone
  • opium
  • morphine
  • meperidine
  • methadone
• Worst complication of narcotics use: HIV/Hep B
• Signs of abuse of narcotics use: 

  Hypo - tension

  Brady - cardia

  Brady - pnea

  Pupil Constriction

  ALL LOW
• Antidote to narcotics overdose: Naloxone (short-acting) and Naltrexone (short-acting; also used for alcohol abuse) 
• Early signs of narcotics withdrawal:

  Lacrimation - Excessive tear production

  Diaphoresis - Profuse sweating

  Rhinorrhea - runny nose

  Yawning (PNS effects)

  ALL WET
• Late signs of narcotics withdrawal: Vomiting and Diarrhea (PNS effects)
• Neurologic sign of narcotics overdose is pinpoint pupils
• Detoxification treatment of narcotics use: Methadone (Medication Assisted Therapy)


  This facilitates safe withdrawal, by reducing withdrawal s/sx