Glossary

Terms

• Agonist — a drug that turns a receptor on. Morphine is a full mu agonist.
• Analgesic — a pain reliever.
• Opioid-naive — has not been taking opioids regularly.
• Opioid-tolerant — has been taking opioids regularly; needs higher doses for the same effect.
• MME — morphine milligram equivalent; a way to compare opioid amounts.
• PCA — patient-controlled analgesia; a hospital pump the patient can click for small extra doses within limits.
• Respiratory depression — breathing that is too slow or too shallow.
• Naloxone — a mu antagonist that can reverse an opioid overdose for a while.
• NOWS — neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
• Diversion — a prescribed drug ending up with someone it was not prescribed for.