Which of the following drugs is used in a dependence syndrome?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Explanation

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist approved for the treatment of both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
It works by blocking the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine.
For alcohol dependence, it reduces the rewarding effects of drinking and decreases cravings, helping to prevent relapse.
Its versatility in treating two major types of substance dependence makes it a key medication in addiction medicine.

Option A: Acamprosate is primarily used to maintain abstinence from alcohol and is not indicated for other types of dependence like opioid or nicotine dependence.
Option C: Disulfiram is used exclusively for alcohol dependence and works as a deterrent (aversive therapy). It is not used for other substance dependencies.
Option D: Bupropion is an antidepressant that is also effective for smoking cessation (nicotine dependence), but it is not a primary treatment for alcohol or opioid dependence.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacological management of substance dependence syndromes helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Pharmacotherapy is a crucial component of treating substance use disorders, but it is most effective when combined with comprehensive psychosocial support, such as counseling and support groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous).
Nurses play a vital role in educating patients about their medications, monitoring for side effects (e.g., hepatotoxicity with Naltrexone), and assessing for adherence and treatment response.
It is critical to ensure a patient is fully detoxified from opioids before starting Naltrexone to avoid precipitating severe, acute withdrawal symptoms.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for a drug used in 'a dependence syndrome'.
Read all the options provided: Acamprosate, Naltrexone, Disulfiram, and Bupropion.
Recall the primary indications for each drug. You may recognize that all are used for some form of dependence.
Since multiple options are technically correct (all treat a type of dependence), evaluate which option is the 'best' or most broadly applicable answer. Naltrexone treats both alcohol and opioid dependence.
Acamprosate and Disulfiram are specific to alcohol, and Bupropion is specific to nicotine.
Conclude that Naltrexone is the most comprehensive answer among the choices because it covers multiple major dependence syndromes.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QHD9QBak3UvdVEz0vOlKSC

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) pp. 2182-2184, 914-916

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1585-1587

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.