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)