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Graded A+
Respiratory Depression - The most serious adverse effect of opioids, primarily
through activation of mu receptors, with onset varying by route of
administration.
Equianalgesic Doses - Doses of different drugs or forms of the same drug that
provide equivalent analgesic effects.
Death Following Overdose - Almost always from respiratory arrest in cases of
opioid overdose.
Tolerance to Respiratory Depression - Develops with prolonged opioid use,
where individuals require higher doses for the same effect.
Opioid Addicts - Individuals who have developed tolerance to opioids, requiring
huge doses that would be lethal to non-tolerant individuals.
Long-term Clinical Use of Opioids - Leads to tolerance development to
respiratory depression, as seen in patients with cancer.
Spinal Injection of Morphine - May delay the onset of respiratory depression for
hours, necessitating vigilance.