Meds and Apnea (central & obstructive)

JulySky · Post by **JulySky** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:14 pm

Interesting article:
See link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 104140.htm

Pain Patients At Risk For Sleep Apnea
"We found that sleep-disordered breathing was common when chronic pain patients took prescribed opioids," explains lead author Lynn R. Webster, MD, from Lifetree Clinical Research and Pain Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah. "We also found a direct dose-response relationship between central sleep apnea and methadone and benzodiazepines, an association which had not been previously reported."

I've read that opiate type meds are not recommended for sleep apnea patients, because they can depress respiration. Does anyone know what meds are recommended to treat pain in sleep apnea patients?
TIA

papdaddy · Post by **papdaddy** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 4:37 pm

Hello JulySky. I can't speak for all sleep apnea patients on pain meds, as for myself I have been scripted for Ultram Er, it is a synthetic opiod, non narcotic. I blew out my back last year and now have cronic back pain. My Doctor knows I have sleep apnea and decided to script this for me, All you would have to do is make sure your doctor knows you have sleep apnea before he scripts meds. Don't assume he will remember that you may have told him at an earlier date. Take your health care in your own hands. HTH

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:33 pm

Anything it takes to block major pain is bound to limit the ability to breath normal, and also will make the control of your throat tissues relax, the same as deep sleep. It would be a good time for a ventulator or XPAP. Jim

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