Opioids significantly increase the risk of nighttime hypoxia in people with sleep apnea by suppressing breathing during sleep. Combined with existing sleep-disordered breathing, this can lead to life-threatening oxygen drops. Screening and treatment are critical for safety.
Opioids can cause dangerous breathing pauses during sleep, worsening sleep apnea and increasing overdose risk. Learn how these drugs affect your brainstem, who’s most at risk, and what steps to take now.
Combining gabapentinoids with opioids increases the risk of dangerous respiratory depression and sedation, especially in older adults and those with breathing problems. Learn who's at risk and what safer alternatives exist.