Which of the following is a typical sign of opioid withdrawal?

Study for the Pain, Opioids, and Neuropsychiatric Pharmacology Test. Explore with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each query comes with hints and explanations. Prepare to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a typical sign of opioid withdrawal?

Explanation:
Yawning is a hallmark sign of opioid withdrawal. When opioids are stopped, the brain experiences a surge in autonomic and noradrenergic activity, especially from the locus coeruleus, leading to symptoms that reflect sympathetic overdrive. Yawning tends to appear early and is very commonly observed, often alongside tearing, rhinorrhea, sweating, and dilated pupils. Euphoria points to ongoing opioid effect rather than withdrawal, so it doesn’t fit. Nausea after meals isn’t specific to withdrawal and can occur for many reasons. While pupil dilation can occur during withdrawal, yawning is more characteristic and consistently seen, making it the best answer.

Yawning is a hallmark sign of opioid withdrawal. When opioids are stopped, the brain experiences a surge in autonomic and noradrenergic activity, especially from the locus coeruleus, leading to symptoms that reflect sympathetic overdrive. Yawning tends to appear early and is very commonly observed, often alongside tearing, rhinorrhea, sweating, and dilated pupils.

Euphoria points to ongoing opioid effect rather than withdrawal, so it doesn’t fit. Nausea after meals isn’t specific to withdrawal and can occur for many reasons. While pupil dilation can occur during withdrawal, yawning is more characteristic and consistently seen, making it the best answer.

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