Opioid analgesics mimic endogenous opioids by activating opioid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems...

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Opioid analgesics mimic endogenous opioids by activating opioidreceptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems to produceanalgesia, respiratory depression, sedation and constipation. Theproduct information for morphine indicates the followinginformation:
â€œChronic use of opioid analgesics may be associated with thedevelopment of physical dependence.â€
Discuss this statement including a simple explanation (e.g. thatcould be understood by an individual without expertise inpharmacology) of what this statement means, examples of physicaldependence effects that may be anticipated for opioidsspecifically, and ONE strategy that could be utilised to minimisethe detrimental effects of physical dependence. Please clearlyhighlight the reasoning underlying your answers. (NOTE: this isworth 8 marks, so will require a detailed explanation)

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Opioids bind to the opioid receptors i the brain Gastrointestinal tract and spinal cord Some of those are endogenous which are produced by the body called Endorphin Exogenous opioids are derived from environment like Heroin morphine that are derived from opium poppy plant Fentanyl is synthetic drug of opioid which is synthesized in the laboratory How opioid works They are acting on the opioid receptors of the brain nerve tissues Normally in the absence of endorphins inhibitory neuron secrete a neurotransmitter that prevents the nearby neurons from releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine When the body is involved in vigorous exercise it induces release of endorphins to the opioid receptors present on the inhibitory neurons As these binds to the receptors they inhibit the neurons from releasing the inhibitory neurotransmitters allowing the dopamine secreting neurons to freely unload dopamine The dopamine then will be picked up by the third neuron in the same area When dopamine release takes place in the pain processing regions of the brain like thalamus brainstem and spinal cord the result is feeling less pain When dopamine release take place in the reward pathway regions present in the ventral tegmental area nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex the result is a calming effect When a powerful exogenous opioid See Answer

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