Which body systems are most affected by narcotics and opiates?

Which body systems are most affected by narcotics and opiates?

• A. Central nervous and gastrointestinal
• B. Gastrointestinal and respiratory
• C. Respiratory and integumentary
• D. Central nervous and respiratory

Answer: (D)

Opioids exert their strongest effects on the central nervous system, where they dull pain and also depress brainstem control of breathing. This central depressant action leads to a dose‑dependent decrease in respiratory drive, which is the most dangerous and characteristic effect. They do slow gut motility as well, causing constipation, but that GI effect is secondary to the profound CNS and respiratory depressant actions. In short, the two systems most affected by narcotics and opiates are the central nervous system and the respiratory system.

Opioids exert their strongest effects on the central nervous system, where they dull pain and also depress brainstem control of breathing. This central depressant action leads to a dose‑dependent decrease in respiratory drive, which is the most dangerous and characteristic effect. They do slow gut motility as well, causing constipation, but that GI effect is secondary to the profound CNS and respiratory depressant actions. In short, the two systems most affected by narcotics and opiates are the central nervous system and the respiratory system.