What should be administered in cases of respiratory depression or overdose from opioid agonists?

In cases of respiratory depression or overdose from opioid agonists, administering an opioid antagonist is the appropriate course of action. Opioid agonists work by binding to specific receptors in the brain to alleviate pain but can also suppress respiratory function when used in high doses or when an individual is sensitive to these medications.

An opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, functions by competitively binding to the same receptors that opioids do. By doing this, it effectively reverses the effects of the agonist, especially the respiratory depression that occurs during an overdose. This can quickly restore normal breathing and consciousness in a patient experiencing an opioid overdose, making it a life-saving intervention.

In contrast, other choices do not appropriately address the issue of opioid overdose. Although muscle relaxants might seem to alleviate symptoms, they do not counteract respiratory depression caused by opioid ingestion. Likewise, central nervous system stimulants might increase alertness but would not address the life-threatening respiratory compromise that needs immediate attention. Administering another opioid agonist would exacerbate the problem, further depressing respiratory function. Therefore, the use of an opioid antagonist is critical in such emergency situations.