NARCOTIC ANALGESICS OVERDOSE

NARCOTIC ANALGESICS

Narcotic analgesics are drugs used for treating moderate and severe pain by attaching themselves to nerve receptors of the brain that detect pain. They are also known as opioids.

Examples of narcotic analgesics include;

·        Codeine

·        Hydrocodone

·        Methadone

·        Morphine

·        Oxycodone

Narcotic Analgesics Medical Complications and Overdose Management

Narcotic analgesics cause quite a number of medical complications that may either be brought about by its short and long term effects to the body or overdose and withdrawal effects of the addicted person.

They include:

Ø  Respiratory depression

Narcotic analgesics overdose causes respiratory depression by decreasing respiratory rate and depth thus increased levels of carbon IV oxide in the blood due to inability of proper breathing and lung ventilation. If not managed on time it progresses to other complications such as pulmonary edema, stoke by affecting the brain stem and eventually death. However, respiratory depression can be managed with antidotes such as Naloxone, endotracheal intubation or/ and mechanical ventilation.

Ø  Decreased heart function/ rate

Due to decreased respiratory function, in turn it affects the heart function by decreasing the heart rate. This can be managed by use of Naloxone which works by reversing the effects

Ø  Low blood pressure

This complication is brought about by decreased heart rate and respiratory depression. It is characterized by slowed breathing and low heart beat. However these conditions of the respiratory function as well as the heart can e reversed and managed by use of Naloxone.

Ø  Nausea and vomiting

Long use of opioids/ narcotic analgesics and overdose leads to sever nausea and copious vomiting. This is dangerous because it may lead to severe dehydration putting an individual’s death. However, this can be managed with non –prescription medication such as meclizine.

Ø  Constipation

This is another medical complication characterized by stool being blocked off. This is managed by use of stool softening medication such as decussate.

Ø  Addiction

Addiction is one of the most obvious complications of opioids overdosed and abuse. It is characterized by inability to control oneself to use these narcotics. It is managed by rehabilitation of the patient to slowly stop using the drug.

Ø  Coma and death

This complication is fatal and coma especially very difficult to reverse.