+- Apnea Board Forum - CPAP | Sleep Apnea (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums)
+-- Forum: Public Area (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Public-Area)
+--- Forum: Main Apnea Board Forum (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Main-Apnea-Board-Forum)
+--- Thread: Apnea and Prescription Pain Meds - Beware (/Thread-Apnea-and-Prescription-Pain-Meds-Beware)
Apnea and Prescription Pain Meds - Beware - cyberfiche - 09-27-2024
I wanted to share a personal experience as a caution for anyone dealing with sleep apnea and using prescription pain medications, particularly opioids like morphine.
My sleep therapist (not my doctor) warned me about the risks of using opioids with untreated sleep apnea because these medications can reduce your breathing rate. However, once I received my BiPAP machine, I assumed I would be safe. It wasn’t until I started using OSCAR that I realized this wasn’t the case.
A few months ago, I was prescribed opioids for severe pain, and I noticed a significant difference in my sleep data.
In the first attachment, you’ll see a typical night of sleep without taking any opioids. My AHI for that night was 0.15, which is quite good..In the second attachment, where I took opioids throughout the night to manage pain, my AHI increased dramatically to 60.92.
This drastic difference is alarming and highlights how much opioids can affect your breathing—even with PAP therapy. After noticing this, I made the decision to stop taking opioids at night.
I hope this helps anyone considering opioid or other prescription pain meds.
- cyberfiche