October 23, 2023
A McMaster University study found the risk of fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose after prescription increased up to sixfold in cases involving predictors such as a high dose of medication, depression or pancreatitis. Other predictors strongly associated with opioid overdose include:
- Use of multiple pharmacies;
- Multiple opioid prescribers;
- Fentanyl prescription;
- Current substance use disorder;
- Bipolar disorder;
- Other mental illness; and
- History of opioid overdose.
Researchers hope the predictors will create collaborative decision-making between doctors and their patients when it comes to prescribing opioids for chronic pain. Around 7.6 million people in Canada live with chronic pain.