Opioids & Kratom: Understanding Pain Management

Opioids & Kratom

• Opioids are categorized into morphine analogs and synthetic derivatives
• Morphine analogs include morphine, diamorphine (heroin), codeine, nalorphine, levallorphan, and naloxone
• Synthetic derivatives include hydromorphone, pethidine, fentanyl, methadone, dextropropoxyphene, pentazocine, buprenorphine, and etorphine
• Common prescription opioids include hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are frequently used for pain, morphine is employed before/after surgery to manage severe pain, and codeine is typically prescribed for mild pain and coughs/diarrhea.
• Opioids act by targeting specific G-protein coupled receptors, altering ion channels to regulate neuronal activity.
• Opioids reduce pain and can induce euphoria but are highly addictive and habit-forming.
• Increased opioid efficacy is linked with increased addiction risk.
• Opioid side effects include drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, pinpoint pupils, slowed vital signs, decreased body temperature/blood pressure/respiration, and overdose risks.
• Opioid misuse/dependence shows signs in physical changes (appetite, pupils, nausea, vomiting, sweating, shaking) and behavioral changes (personality/attitude, friends, activities, attendance, isolation/secrecy, clothing, mood, stealing).
• Opioid withdrawal symptoms vary in stages (up to 8 hours, 8-24 hours, up to 3 days), and include symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, GI problems, runny nose, dilated pupils, sweating, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, diarrhea, fever, chills, tremors, and seizures.
• Heroin is derived from opium poppies and is a highly addictive substance. It comes in powder or tar form. Tolerance develops rapidly. It is often mixed/cut with other substances, posing a higher danger.
• Heroin is commonly injected, snorted, or smoked; it quickly reaches the brain.
• Kratom, also known as "ketum," is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia.
• Kratom is traditionally used to combat fatigue and boost work productivity.
• Kratom consumption has stimulant effects (low doses) and opioid-like effects (high doses). This can also lead to psychotic symptoms, physiological and psychological dependence, addiction, abuse, and risks.
• Kratom contains more than 20 alkaloids, and mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the primary psychoactive ingredients. Mitragynine is a kappa-opioid receptor agonist, roughly 13 times more potent than morphine.
• Kratom is used in capsule, pill, extract, leaf form, and is chewed, brewed as tea, or smoked.
• Kratom effects depend on dosage. Low doses stimulate, higher doses act like narcotics/opiates. Regular use is linked to addictive disorders, cravings, compulsive use, and opioid withdrawal.
• Kratom side effects include nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, tachycardia, vomiting, drowsiness, weight loss, insomnia, anorexia, liver damage, seizures, and hallucinations. There are reported cases of psychosis resulting from kratom use.
• Fatal kratom overdose occurrences have been documented, often tied to adulterated products and combination usage with other dangerous substances.

Explore the complex world of opioids and kratom through this quiz. Gain insights into morphine analogs, synthetic derivatives, and common prescription opioids while understanding their effects and risks. Learn about how these substances interact with receptors to alter pain perception and the implications of their addictive properties.