Addiction Drugs PPT

Pharmacologic Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal - Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 may be administered if client has nutritional deficiencies caused by alcoholism

Pharmacologic Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal - Phenobarbital (barbiturate)

• Produces sedation

• vital signs should be checked frequently

Pharmacologic Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal - Carbamazepine (antiseizure)

• Antiseizure

• may cause dizziness or drowsiness

• Drug needs to be tapered off to prevent seizures during detox.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal - Clonidine

• A centrally acting alpha-2 agonist used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, agitation, and sweating

• It does not treat the cravings but helps with the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal - Benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Lorazepam, Chlordiazepoxide)

For alcohol withdrawal, benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Lorazepam, Chlordiazepoxide) are first-line treatment to manage symptoms like elevated HR, BP, temp, and tremors

• They help prevent delirium tremens when given early

• Carefully assess vital signs every 2-4 hours, as sedation is a risk.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Alcohol Dependence - Acamprosate

Helps normalize brain activity disrupted by alcohol and reduces cravings

Pharmacologic Treatment of Alcohol Dependence - Disulfiram

• Used adjunctively for aversion therapy

• Disulfiram plus even small amounts of alcohol produces adverse effects

• makes client feel violently ill! (educate to avoid mouthwash, medications that contain alcohol)

causes severe illness if alcohol is consumed (avoid products like mouthwash with alcohol). It’s used to deter drinking.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Alcohol Dependence - Naltrexone

Opiate antagonist (used for both alcohol and opiate withdrawal - important drug because many patients have comorbid addiction)

• Can reduce cravings, can help maintain abstinence, and can interfere with wanting to drink more if a recovering patient relapses

(opiate antagonist) reduces cravings and helps prevent relapse in both alcohol and opioid addiction.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Alcohol Dependence - IV thiamine (Vitamin B1)

• Adequate nutrition important - some patients may need IV thiamine (Vitamin B1 for weeks - months (treatment for Wernicke encephalopathy and or/ Korsakoff Syndrome/encephalopathy). Folic acid and multivitamin may also be prescribed!

Pharmacologic Treatment of Opiate Use Disorder - Methadone

• An opioid used as a substitute for more dangerous opioids (like heroin).

• It helps reduce cravings without causing a “high” when used correctly.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Opiate Use Disorder - Naltrexone

• An opiate antagonist that blocks opioid receptors, decreasing cravings.

• It can be used for both opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Opiate Use Disorder - Buprenorphine HCL

• A partial agonist-antagonist that partially blocks opioid receptors

• It can still cause some euphoria but is less likely to cause physical dependence or overdose compared to full agonists.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Opiate Use Disorder - Buprenorphine & Naloxone

• Combines buprenorphine with naloxone to reduce misuse potential.

• Naloxone blocks the opioid effects if the drug is injected.

Pharmacologic Treatment of Opiate Use Disorder - Clonidine

• A centrally acting alpha-2 agonist used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, agitation, and sweating

• It does not treat the cravings but helps with the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal.