Concurrent Use of Opioids with Other Central Nervous System-Active Medications Among Older Adults

The primary objective was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of older adults concurrently using opioids and other central nervous system (CNS)-active medications, and the specialties of providers who ordered the medications. A secondary objective was to document medication-related adverse effects associated with such concurrent drug use. Study populations were identified as older adults aged ≥65 years with 1 year continuous medical and drug plan enrollment during 2017 and opioid use of ≥2 prescriptions for ≥15 days' supply. CNS-active medications included benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, muscle relaxants, antipsychotics, and gabapentinoids. Provider specialties were identified from the National Provider Identification database. Characteristics associated with opioids only, opioids plus 1, and opioids plus ≥2 additional CNS-active medications were determined using multinomial logistic regression. Outcome measures during 2017 included injurious falls/fractures and ≥3 emergency room (ER) visits. Among eligible insureds (N = 209,947), 57% used opioids only, 28% used opioids plus 1 additional CNS medication, and 15% used ≥2 additional medications. About 60% of opioids and other concurrent CNS medications were prescribed by the same provider, generally a primary care provider. Benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids were most often used concurrently with opioids. Health status, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and low back pain had the strongest associations with concurrent medication use. Overall, concurrent use with ≥2 CNS medications increased the likelihood of injurious falls/fractures or ≥3 ER visits in this population by about 18% and 21%, respectively. Both patients and providers may benefit from an awareness of adverse outcomes associated with concurrent opioid and other CNS-active medication use.