What is the difference between full opioid agonists and partial agonists with respect to respiratory depression risk and withdrawal potential?

What is the difference between full opioid agonists and partial agonists with respect to respiratory depression risk and withdrawal potential?

• A. Full agonists produce less analgesia and less respiratory depression.
• B. Partial agonists have no ceiling effect.
• C. Full agonists produce full analgesia and higher risk of respiratory depression; partial agonists have a ceiling effect with lower risk and may precipitate withdrawal in opioid-tolerant patients.
• D. They are identical.

Answer: (C)