A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing opioid withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate the provider to prescribe?
A.
Risperidone
B.
Methadone
C.
Lithium carbonate
D.
Disulfiram
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Methadone.
Methadone is commonly used in the management of opioid withdrawal and opioid use disorder (OUD). It is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings for opioids, making it an effective medication for opioid detoxification and maintenance therapy. Methadone works by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain as drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers, but it produces less intense euphoria and has a longer duration of action, which helps stabilize the patient and minimize the cycles of highs and lows experienced with shorter-acting opioids.
Why Methadone for Opioid Withdrawal?
Opioid withdrawal can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, muscle aches, anxiety, agitation, and intense cravings. Methadone can relieve these symptoms by acting on opioid receptors, thus reducing the body’s response to withdrawal while preventing the patient from experiencing the “high” associated with opioids. By providing stable opioid levels in the body, methadone helps ease the physical discomfort of withdrawal and reduces the psychological impact of opioid cravings.
Why Not the Other Medications?
- A. Risperidone: This is an antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It is not indicated for opioid withdrawal.
- C. Lithium carbonate: Lithium is primarily used for the treatment of bipolar disorder, particularly for mood stabilization. It has no role in managing opioid withdrawal symptoms.
- D. Disulfiram: Disulfiram is used in the management of chronic alcoholism. It works by creating unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed. It has no therapeutic effect on opioid withdrawal management.
Thus, methadone remains a primary pharmacological option in treating opioid withdrawal, especially for clients experiencing moderate to severe symptoms.