OAT Prescribing Course Flashcards

(207 cards)

1
Q

how is opioid use disorder best conceptualized

A

as a CHRONIC relapsing illness which, although associated with elevated rates of morbidity and mortality, has the potential to be in SUSTAINED long term REMISSION with appropriate treatment

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2
Q

what is the prevalence of opioid use disorder in the USA

A

affects 2.1% of americans

canadian estimates not available

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3
Q

define addiction

A

a PRIMARY, CHRONIC illness of REWARD, MOTIVATION, MEMORY and related circuitry in the brain

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4
Q

what stage of substance use disorder is the word “addiction” used to describe

A

the most severe, chronic stage of a SUD

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5
Q

DSM V definition of opioid use disorder

A

recurrent use of opioids causing clinically and functionally significant impairment

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6
Q

how many criteria are there in the DSM V to diagnose opioid use disorder

A

11

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7
Q

how is severity determined for opioid use disorder

A

it is established by the number of criteria met

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8
Q

define mild OUD

A

2-3 criteria are met

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9
Q

define moderate OUD

A

4-5 criteria are met

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10
Q

define severe OUD

A

6+ criteria are met

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11
Q

what are the specifiers for OUD

A
  1. in early remission
  2. in sustained remission
  3. on maintenance therapy
  4. in a controlled environment
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12
Q

define “in early remission” for OUD

A

after full criteria for OUD were previously met, NONE of the criteria for OUD have been met for at least THREE MONTHS but for less that 12 months

(with the exception of criterion A4–> “Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use opioids”, which may continue to be met)

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13
Q

define “in sustained remission” for OUD

A

after full criteria for OUD were previously met, NONE of the criteria for OUD have been met any ANY TIME during a period of TWELVE MONTH or longer

(with the exception of criterion A4–> “Craving” which may continue to be met)

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14
Q

when do you use the specifier “on maintenance therapy” for OUD

A

it is an additional specifier

it is used if the individual is taking a prescribed agonist medication such as methadone or suboxone and NONE of the criteria for OUD have been met for that class of medication (except tolerance to, or withdrawal from, the agonist)

also applies to those on partial agonists, agonost/antagonist, or full antagonist like oral naltrexone or depot naltrexone

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15
Q

when do you use the specifier “in a controlled environment”

A

it is an additional specifier

used if the individual is in an environment where access to opioids is restricted

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16
Q

how many diagnostic categories (of individual criteria) are there for OUD in the DSM

A

4

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17
Q

list the diagnostic categories (made up of individual criteria) in the DSM for OUD

A
  1. impaired control
  2. social impairment
  3. risky use
  4. pharmacological properties
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18
Q

list the criteria in the “impaired control” category of criteria for OUD in the DSM (4)

A
  1. opioids are used in larger amounts or for longer than intended
  2. there have been unsuccessful efforts or desire to cut back or control opioid use
  3. an excessive amount of time is spent obtaining, using or recovering from opioids
  4. there is craving to use opioids
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19
Q

list the criteria in the “social impairment” category of criteria for OUD in the DSM (3)

A
  1. failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home as a result of recurrent opioid use
  2. persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems that are exacerbated by opioids or continued use of opioids despite these problems
  3. a person has reduced or given up important social, occupational ore recreational activities because of opioid use
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20
Q

list the criteria in the “risky use” category of criteria for OUD in the DSM (2)

A
  1. opioids used in physically hazardous situations
  2. there is continued opioid use despite knowledge of persistent physical or psychological problems likely caused by opioid use
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21
Q

list the criteria in the “pharmacological properties” category of criteria for OUD in the DSM (2)

A
  1. tolerance is demonstrated by increased amounts of opioids needed to achieve desired effect–> diminished effects with continued use of the same amount
  2. withdrawal as demonstrated by symptoms of opioid withdrawal syndromes –> opioids taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal
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22
Q

how can the symptoms of addiction be explained

A

by the underlying neurocircuitry changes to the brain related to opioid use

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23
Q

opioids activate reward regions in what part of the brain? what does this result in?

A

opioids activate reward regions in the LIMBIC SYSTEM

causes sharp INCREASE in release of DOPAMINE

triggers CONDITIONED CUES in response to opioids

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24
Q

what are conditioned cues?

A

cues in the environment that lead humans to seek out important, life sustaining things–> food, water, shelter, relationships

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25
what happens to a persons conditioned cues with repeated opioid use over time
the drive to use opioids becomes as strong or stronger than the drive for natural re-enforcers and results in compulsive drug seeking behaviours
26
how does ongoing opioid use effect the functioning of the reward circuits of the limbic system
ongoing opioid use causes DESENSITIZATION of reward circuits RESETS the dopamine reward system (i.e to feel happiness, reward, you need more dopamine than your body can provide) causes ANHEDONIA and DYSPHORIA in withdrawal states --> over time, the neurocircuitry pathways that enforce drug use are strengthened and pathways in the brain that cultivate self control related processes and the ability to inhibit impulses are diminished
27
how does chronic opioid use affect executive functioning
becomes impaired, contributing to relapses into drug use
28
list the three parts of the cycle of addiction
1. intoxication 2. withdrawal 3. preoccupation
29
what is the effect of the INTOXICATION phase of the addiction cycle?
drug induced activation of Brain Reward Pathway--> enhanced by conditioned cues
30
what brain regions are affected in the INTOXICATION phase of the addiction cycle?
ventral tegmentum nucleus accumbens dorsal striatum
31
what is the effect of the WITHDRAWAL phase of the addiction cycle?
negative mood enhanced sensitivity to stress
32
what brain regions are affected in the WITHDRAWAL phase of the addiction cycle?
amygdala basal nucleus of stria terminalis
33
what are the effects of the PREOCCUPATION phase of the addiction cycle
craving impaired decision making, inhibitory control and self regulation relapse
34
what brain regions are affected in the the PREOCCUPATION phase of the addiction cycle
pre frontal cortex anterior cingulate cortex hippocampus
35
what proteins begin to be transcribed more in the brain during OUD? what does this cause?
corticotropin releasing factor and dynorphin causes negative effect on persons mood and function due to disrupting dopamine, glutamate and stress control systems of the brain
36
list factors that increase vulnerability to addiction
family history of substance use disorder/addiction trauma early exposure to drug use such as during childhood or adolescence exposure to high risk environments (drug accessibility, permissive normative attitudes to drug use, social stress + poor supports) psychiatric disorders (anxiety, PTSD, depression, ADHD etc)
37
list examples of evidence based harm reduction that should be offered to everyone
1. education involving safer use of sterile syringes/needles and other applicable substance use equipment 2. access to sterile syringes and other supplies 3. access to supervised injection sites 4. take home naloxone kits
38
describes the three categories along the continuum of care for OUD, from low treatment intensity to high treatment intensity
low treatment intensity--> withdrawal management then agonist therapies then high treatment intensity--> specialist led alternative approaches to OUD treamtent
39
when should you consider moving someone up the treatment continuum to higher intensity treatment
if opioid use continues despite treatment
40
list treatments that focus on withdrawal management
tapered methadone, buprenorphone or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists +/- psychosocial tx +/- residential tx +/- oral naltrexone
41
list the treatments among the agonist therapies for OUD
buprenorphine/naloxone (preferred) methadone +/- psychosocial tx +/- residential tx
42
list the specialist led alternative approaches for OUD
slow release oral morphine +/- psychosocial tx +/- residential tx
43
is withdrawal management alone recommended for management of OUD? why or why not?
no--> it is generally ineffective if done alone without transition to OAT or continuation of addiction care can lead to high rates of relapse which in turn icnreases risk of HIV and hep C transmission, morbidity and mortality (i.e overdose)
44
what is the role of withdrawal management
often is first point of engagement in clinical care and can serve important role as bridge to treatment *not recommended unless a strategy is in place for referral to ongoing addiction treatment (i.e intensive outpatient, residential, or access to long term OAT)
45
how do you response to someone asking for withdrawal management only
provide them with clear, concise discussion about known risk to personal and public safety and engage in discussion about safer treatment options
46
what are the relapse rates for withdrawal management alone (with methadone taper off opioids)
53-66.7% at 1 month 60-90% at 6 months post methadone taper
47
how do HIV rates compare between those undergoing withdrawal management and those receiving no treatment
higher amongst those receiving withdrawal management alone
48
in what treatment measures has OAT been shown to be superior to withdrawal management alone
retention in treatment sustained abstinence from opioid use reduced risk of morbidity and mortality
49
what is first line OAT according to the BC guidelines
suboxone
50
what patient specific factors should guide treatment of choice of OAT
initial presentation comorbidities (liver disease, prolonged Qtc) drug-drug interactions treatment preference response to treatment prescriber experience appropriate education and training
51
why is suboxone preferred as first line OAT
superior safety profile can take it at home which is easier
52
when might methadone be preferred over suboxone
when suboxone not preferred i.e challenging induction
53
in women with OUD in residential treatment settings, what % have trauma
90%
54
define trauma according to the provincial OAT course
an experience that overwhelms an individuals ability to COPE (both internal and external resources are inadequate to cope w the external threat) life events that are OUT OF ONES CONTROL with potentially devastating emotional, physical and behavioural consequences
55
what are the four types of trauma listed in the provincial OAT course
1. single incident trauma 2. complex, repetitive trauma 3. developmental trauma 4. historical trauma
56
define single incident trauma
an unexpected and overwhelming event
57
define complex, repetitive trauma
ongoing abuse, domestic violence, war
58
define developmental trauma
occurs during infancy, childhood or adolescence includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse or beglect
59
define historical trauma
massive GROUP trauma causing emotional wounding over the lifespan and across GENERATIONS i.e genocide, colonialism, slavery, war
60
list psychological effects of trauma
anxiety, terror, shock shame, guilt, helplessness, powerlessness emotional numbness disconnection impaired memory intrusive memories flashbacks nightmares
61
list developmental effects of trauma
impaired attachment to caregivers poor impulse control impaired ability to form intimate relationships cognitive impairments and attention deficits *especially damaging if abuse is ongoing or perpetrator is a trusted person
62
what is the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and likelihood of developing a SUD
the higher number of ACEs, the more at risk an individual is of developing SUD
63
list physiological effects of trauma
hyperarousal--> anxious, jumpy, easily startled, sleep disturbance hypervigilance--> external focus of attention dissociation--> precludes need to develop other affect regulating skills chronic pain syndromes
64
list behavioural effects of trauma
can develop behavioural adaptations--> maladaptive coping--> patients may engage in these behaviours in order to try and SOOTHE themselves when they are feeling overwhelmed i.e: self harm--> reduces tension, downgrades high levels of arousal, increases adrenaline/endorphins disordered eating substance use ("chemical coping") avoidance of triggers (via isolating, social impairment) risky behaviours
65
list interpersonal effects of trauma
patients may have confusion about identity and agency--> can have poor internal sense of self have lack of trust that can result in--> frequent conflicts, misinterpretation of others motives, difficulty establishing/maintaining relationships poor boundaries--> unrealistic expectations of health care provider, overly familiar
66
how to respond to the interpersonal challenges related to trauma?
with compassionate and consistent boundaries
67
list spiritual effects of trauma
loss of meaning/faith loss of connection shame, guilt, self blame, self hate
68
what is the % risk of addiction with the use of opioids
5. 5% risk of addiction * canadian guidelines recommend avoiding use of opioids for those with hx SUD or dx mental illness and recommends against use of opioids for those with current substance use concerns
69
what are the C's of addiction
Craving Compulsive use loss of Control Consequences
70
list the elements of an opiate use history
1. type of opioid 2. quantity used 3. frequency of use 4. age of initiation 5. route of administration 6. overdose history 7. tolerance and withdrawal 8. time of last use
71
how much is a "point"
a point = 0.1 g
72
what two other substances should be asked about in hx as they significantly increase risk of opioid overdose and death
alcohol and benzos --> benzos seem to be higher risk than alcohol for overdose when combined with opioids
73
what other types of behaviours should be asked about in a SUD ax
other compulsive behaivours--> gambling, compulsive sex, eating disorders, spending, shoplifting
74
what medication is contraindicated in those on OAT or using illicit opioids
naltrexone it is an opioid antagonist
75
which med has the best safety profile of all the OAT options
suboxone
76
list specific purposes for urine drug testing in OAT management
1. confirming illicit opioid use during baseline assessment 2. supporting decision making regarding take home doses 3. confirming that a medication is being taken 4. screening for ongoing non prescribed or illicit opioid use--> may indicate patient is udner treated or needs more support 5. detecting presence of other substances, including substances the patient may need to be unaware they have ingested 6. evaluating treatment response and outcomes
77
what types of information do UDS *not* provide
do not provide accurate info on: - time of last substance use - quantity of substance use - frequency of substance use
78
when should you provide UDS testing
prior to OAT initiation during treatment initiation, stabilization, and maintenance as part of assessment for changes to treatment plan generally: at baseline, and when patient displays change in clinical status
79
how often should you do UDS during OAT induction and stabilization phase
monthly or more or less frequently when clinically indicated
80
how many random UDS should you do per year when someone has takehome doses of OAT (maintenance phase)
at least 2-4 if on suboxone at least 6-8 if on methadone or kadian
81
for how many days is the *longest* the following substance can be detected in urine: alcohol
about 1 day
82
for how many days is the *longest* the following substance can be detected in urine: amphetamines
about 5 days
83
for how many days is the *longest* the following substance can be detected in urine: benzodiazepines
short acting--> 2 days intermediate acting--> 5 days long acting (regular use)--> 28+ days
84
for how many days is the *longest* the following substance can be detected in urine: cocaine
1 day cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine can be up to 5 days
85
for how many days is the *longest* the following substance can be detected in urine: buprenorphine
7 days
86
for how many days is the *longest* the following substance can be detected in urine: fentanyl
short term use--> 3-4 days long term use--> 28 days
87
for how many days is the *longest* the following substance can be detected in urine: hydromorphone
3 days
88
for how many days is the *longest* the following substance can be detected in urine: morphine or codeine
5 days
89
for how many days is the *longest* the following substance can be detected in urine: methadone
3 days
90
for how many days is the *longest* the following substance can be detected in urine: THC
single use--> 3 days chronic use--> 28+ days
91
is passive inhalation of cannabis likely to cause a positive urine test?
no
92
does cocaine cross react with other substances
no not really
93
what class of drug has the highest rate of false positive results on UDS
amphetamines
94
what are some things that can lead to a false positive amphetamine UDS
``` abilify wellbutrin chlorpromazine ephedrine fluoxetine labetolol venlafaxine methylphenidate ranitidine trazodone ```
95
what are possible explanations if UDS is positive for hydromorphone
1. patient is taking prescribes or illicit HM 2. patient is taking high doses of morphine i.e prescribe slow release morphine as OAT (because shows up at HM positive on UDS) * differentiate by calling the lab and asking for relative amounts--> if HM low relative to morphine, suggests it is a breakdown of morphine and not separately ingested. If HM high relative to morphine, then likely HM ingested separately
96
why can fentanyl be detected for so long after chronic use
because so lipophilic
97
define harm reduction
policies and programs which attempt primarily to reduce the adverse health, social and economic consequences of mood altering substances to individuals who use drugs, their families and communities, WITHOUT requiring decrease in drug use * pragmatic* response that focuses on keeping people safe and minimizing death, disease and injury * value neutral and humanistic*
98
how does harm reduction save lives and improve quality of life
by allowing people who use drugs to remain integrated into society
99
what is naloxone
medication that quickly reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids by binding to opioid receptors and displacing the opioid
100
how long does naloxone effect last
reverses effect of overdose for 30-90 MINUTES
101
signs of opioid overdose
unconsciousness respiratory depression bradycardia muscle rigidity (from fentanyl) small pupils cyanosis
102
list three evidenced based options for smoking cessation
varenicline buproprion NRT
103
what is varenicline
nicotine receptor partial AGONIST *most effective based on 2016 lancet RCT
104
what receptor does methadone act on how does it act on this receptor
the mu-opioid receptor it is a FULL mu-opioid receptor AGONIST
105
how does methadone act on the patient
prevents opioid withdrawal reduces opioid cravings mitigates the euphoric effects of non medicinal uses of opioids such as heroin
106
what can make methadone risky as a medication
LONG duration of action NARROW therapeutic index
107
is methadone a synthetic opioid
yes
108
other than the mu-opioid receptor, what other receptors does methadone have affinity for
NMDA glutamate receptor--> ANTAGONIST
109
how quickly is tolerance to methadone lost
within a FEW DAYS of methadone cessation (i.e 3 days)
110
what are the risks of the loss of tolerance to methadone
overdose--> occurs if blood level exceeds developed tolerance
111
what is another use of methadone
as an ANALGESIC (is an effective analgesic)
112
what is the oral bioavailability of methadone
80-95%
113
what is the time to peak plasma concentration and peak clinical effect for methadone
3 hours (range of 2-6 hours)
114
how many drug half lives does it take to achieve steady state concentration
5
115
what is methadone's plasma half life
RANGES from 6-90 hours--> average of 24 hours
116
approx how many days does it take to achieve steady state of methadone after a dose change
about 5 days (if assume average of 24 hour plasma half life)
117
how is methadone metabolized
primarily a function of liver enzyme activity --> cytochrome P450!!
118
does compromised renal function preclude the use of methadone
no--> and dose does not need to be adjusted for those on dialysis
119
is methadone safe for rapid titration to therapeutic dose
NO not safe for this because of long and variable half life
120
how do the makers of methadone prevent it from being injected
methadone contains SUCROSE to prevent it being injected
121
does methadone require DWI
yes--> until ongoing clinical and social stability is demonstrated *there were high death rates from methadone before DWI instated
122
list some side effects of methadone
risk of dental caries due to the sucrose sedation weight gain erectile dysfunction cognitive blunting
123
how does methadone affect QTc
prolonges it
124
can you prescribe naltrexone with methadone
no--> because naltrexone blocks the pharmacologic action of methadone and can lead to precipitated withdrawal
125
what medication should you consider for AUD in someone on methadone for OAT
acamprosate
126
which CYP enzyme metabolizes methadone
CYP3A4
127
list three medications that are CYP34A inducers
carbamazepine phenytoin rifampicin/rifampin *may lead to undertreatment of OUD with methadone--> may require dose adjustment
128
list three types of medication that are CYP34A inhibitors
azole antifungals macrolide antibiotics protease inhibitors cannabidiol citalopram/escitalopram *may require dose adjustment
129
what should you consider if patient on methadone and an SSRI/SNRI/MAOI
risk of serotonin syndrome--> monitor patient
130
what antidepressant/anxiolytic is a strong CYP34A inhibitor
citalopram and escitalopram
131
what common drinks are moderate CYP34A inhibitors
caffeine grapefruit juice
132
what antipsychotic is a moderate CYP34A inhibitor
haloperidol
133
how often should you see patients when initiating methadone
at least WEEKLY *in person clinical assessment always required before adjusting dose
134
what is the starting dose of methadone in the outpatient setting
30mg daily or lower
135
how do you increase methadone
start at 30mg or lower increase by 10 mg every 5 days (or no more than 10%... so 5-10 mg at a time)
136
how do you know youve reached the therapeutic dose of methadone
until illicit opioids have no positive reward effect (i.e no euphoria) withdrawal symptoms are controlled for more than 24 hours craving for opioids are reduced or eliminated without causing excessive sedation or other intolerable side effects
137
recommended starting dose of methadone in the following patient: no tolerance/opioid naive (i.e just out of withdrawal management)
5-10mg daily
138
recommended starting dose of methadone in the following patient: unknown tolerance (also those who use etoh, benzos)
10-20 mg daily
139
recommended starting dose of methadone in the following patient: known tolerance (i.e those actively using opioids)
20-30mg daily
140
what are the two methadone formulation options
methadose (pink, cherry flavored) metadol-D (unflavored, no color; requires diluent) (there is also a sugar free methadone option)
141
are methadose and metadol-D interchangeable
yes
142
what is the usual effective dose of methadone
60-120mg daily --> higher doses may be required
143
methadone is implicated in what % of prescription-opioid related deaths in BC
25%
144
what receptor do benzos act on
GABA-A --> causes relaxation of smooth muscle cells in the upper airway + sedation + anxiolysis
145
benzodiazapines are implicated in what % of methadone related deaths
75%
146
why do benzos increase the risk of overdose from methadone
increased upper airway obstruction leading to respiratory depression interaction with CYP 450 enzymes affecting methadones metabolism increased incidence of feeling "high" on methadone if benzos combined--> unsafe practices
147
what receptor does alcohol act on
GABA-A--> resp depression
148
what is the prevalence of HCV in those with OUD
64-100%
149
how to adjust dose if 3-4 missed days of methadone
if dose was 30-60mg--> restart at 30mg if dose was above 60mg--> restart at 50% of previous dose
150
how to adjust dose if 5+ missed days of methadone
restart at 5-30mg daily depending on tolerance
151
how often should you see someone who is on a stable methadone dose
at least monthly
152
how long should someone be on a stable dose of methadone before considering carries (at minimum)
4 weeks
153
what is the ratio of buprenorphine to naloxone in suboxone
4: 1 | i. e a 2mg tab has 2mg buprenorphine and 0.5mg naloxone
154
what is the admin route of suboxone
sublingual
155
why is the naloxone component included in suboxone
only to prevent diversion and injection use | the naloxone is not bioavailable when taken as prescribed SL--> it is available when injected
156
is buprenorphine a synthetic opioid
yes
157
what receptor does buprenorphine act on, and how does it act on that receptor
PARTIAL mu-opioid agonist very high affinity for the receptor *it will displace full opioid agonists like heroin from the receptor*
158
what is the effect of buprenorphine
alleviates opioid withdrawal and reduces cravings
159
why is there a better safety profile with buprenorphine than with the full receptor agonists
because there is a "ceiling effect" in terms of respiratory depression with the patrial opioid receptor agonists leads to less overdose risk
160
time to onset of action with buprenorphine
30-60 minutes
161
time to peak action of buprenorphine
1-4 hours
162
length of peak effect of buprenorphine
1-2 hours
163
half life of buprenorphine
24-60 hours --> average 32 hours
164
what determines the duration of action of buprenorphine
it is dose dependent low doses (2-4mg) last 4-12 hours moderate doses (4-8 mg)--> last approx 24 hours higher doses (above 8 mg)--> last 36-72 horus
165
how is buprenorphine metabolized
in the liver by the CYP P450 3A4 enzyme mostly eliminated in feces, some in urine
166
sublinguial bioavailablility of buprenorphine
good
167
oral bioavailability of buprenorphine
low (due to first pass metabolism) *this is why it must be taken as SL and not just orally swallowed)
168
common side effects of buprenorphine
``` headache pain nausea vomiting hyperhidrosis constipation vasodilation ```
169
can you prescribe buprenorphine with naltrexone
no because naltrexone counteracts buprenorphine
170
do you worry as much about drug-drug interactions/CYP 3A4 interactions with buprenorphine as you do with methadone
no you dont these interactions tend to be less clinically relevant with buprenorphine compared to methadone and the dose rarely needs to be adjusted
171
what are the types of buprenorphine induction
microdosing induction and traditional induction
172
what is microdosing induction of buprenorphine
the dose is slowly up titrated using micro doses of buprenorphine while the patient CONTINUES prescribed or illicit opioid use once therapeutic dose reached, other opioids can be abruptly stopped
173
what is traditional induction of buprenorphine
requires a period of abstinence from opioids before induction is initiated to ensure withdrawal is not precipitated *risk of precipitated withdrawal may be higher than with microdosing inductions
174
how many days does it take to reach therapeutic dose with micro inductions of buprenorphine
5-10 days
175
can buprenorphine tablets be cut
yes--> i.e if an 8mg tablet is dispensed, it can be cut smaller so it dissolves dfaster
176
how does micro induction of buprenorphine reduce the risk of precipitated withdrawal
it allows the buprenorphine to slowly accumulate at the mu-opioid receptors over time ---> gradually displaces other opioids
177
in what size tablets does buprenorphine come in
2mg or 8mg can be cut or combined
178
how long do you usually have to wait since last illicit opioid use to start buprenorphine
about 12-24 hours more than 12 hours for heroin, oxy, HM more than 24 for oral morphine, fentanyl 24-72 hours for methadone
179
what COWS score is recommended before taking first dose of buprenorphine to avoid precipitated withdrawal
COWS above 12
180
signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal
``` "something coming out of every part of your body" ie lacrimation salivation rhinorrhea diaphoresis vomiting diarrhea ``` ``` PLUS piloerection temperature dysregulation hyperreflexia agitation anxiety insomnia myalgias nausea yawning tachycardia elevated BP elevated RR ```
181
how do you evaluate someone for buprenorphine induction who hasn't used opioids in a few days (i.e coming from jail)
start with a 2mg test dose of buprenorphine (their COWS may never get above 12 if they havent used in a few days)
182
what is the usual starting dose of buprenorphine
2mg
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in which patients might you start with a dose of 8mg of buprenorphine
in those in severe withdrawal with COWS above 24 and whose last documented used of illicit opioids is more than 48 hours ago
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how quickly does precipitated withdrawal usually present
within about 30 min of the first dose of buprenorphine
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what is the maximum total dose of buprenorphine that can be administered on day 1
16mg
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what is the maximum total daily dosing of buprenorphine generalyl
24mg
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what medications can be used to help manage symptoms of withdrawal
``` clonidine acetaminophen ibuprofen dimenhydrinate loperamide ```
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what are the three options for managing precipitated withdrawal from induction of buprenorphine
continue induction delay induction stop induction
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what scale do you use for home buprenorphine inductions
the SOWS scale (subjective)
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what score do you need on SOWS before taking buprenorphine in a home induction
17
191
what is the target total daily dose for suboxone
16-24mg daily
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list side effects of methadone
``` sedation euphoria bradycardia hypotension constipation diaphoresis low testosterone xerostomia pruritis weight gain peripheral edema dyspepsia dysphoria cognitive impairment sleep disturbance ```
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which of the side effects of methadone typically are the first to resolve
sedation and euphoria tend to resolve over the course of a few weeks
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of all the side effect of methadone, which may persist beyond the first few weeks
constipation and diaphoresis
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how many doses of suboxone can someone miss before you have to make dose adjustments
5 or less
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for those that miss five or less doses of suboxone, how do you adjust the dose
you dont--dose stays the same and you just restart at the previous dose
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what do you do if someone has missed 6 or more doses of suboxone
if they're on 2mg--> stay the same if they're on 6mg-8--> restart at 4mg if they're on more than 8 mg, and its been 6-7 days--> restart at 8mg if they're on more than 8mg and its been more than 7 days--> restart at 4 mg
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list the benefits of take home OAT dosing
improved motivation to participate in OAT improved treatment retention increased patient autonomy and flexibility decreased treatment burden decreased costs related to daily witnessed ingestion
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what criteria should be met before considering take home dosing for methadone?
1. appropriate UDS for minimum 12 weeks (no evidence of cocaine, amphetamine, illicit opioid use) 2. social, cognitive and emotional stability 3. ability to safely store meds at home (i.e secure, locked cabinet)
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how often are doses witnessed per week in most take home dosing regimens for methadone
2x / week
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how should you taper OAT if someone wants to come off
outpatient tapering regimen of 5-10% of the dose every 2-4 weeks over the course of 52+ weeks
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what % of tapers from methadone are unsuccessful
87%
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why would you consider switching from methadone to suboxone
compared to methadone, suboxone has a: reduced risk of overdose reduced risk of respiratory depression lower risk of cardiac arrhythmias
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what is one of the challenges of switching from methadone to suboxone?
patient needs to be in withdrawal to avoid precipitated withdrawal, and methadone has a ++ long half life
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what are the two recommended options for switching from methadone to suboxone
microdosing subxone or bridge with SROM *no longer recommend taper and stop methadone before starting suboxone
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why might you consider transitioning to SROM as a bridge between methadone and suboxone
because SROM has a shorter and more predictable half life than methadone which makes the switch easier
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what ratio should you use transitioning from methadone to SROM (if SROM is the final target med)
1:4 or 1:6