Patterns and trajectories associated with overdose in patients co-prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines
This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded project will use population data to examine factors leading to co-prescriptions of opioids and sedative medications which pose higher risk of overdose.
Project Details:
The aims of this CDC-funded R01 project are: Aim 1) To identify patient profiles and trajectories associated with progression to long-term benzodiazepine use among patients prescribed long-term opioids. Aim 2) To identify patient profiles and trajectories associated with overdose involving prescription opioids or benzodiazepines among patients co-prescribed long-term opioids and benzodiazepines. Aim 3) To identify patient profiles and trajectories associated with overdose involving either illicit opioids or psychostimulants among patients co-prescribed long-term opioids and benzodiazepines. We will accomplish these aims by conducting retrospective cohort studies using two large, complementary data sources: 1) the California prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data linked to death certificates, and 2) the Optum Labs Data Warehouse, a national claims data source representing over 20% of the U.S. commercial and Medicare Advantage market. Findings will richly inform clinical or policy interventions and guidelines to prevent initial benzodiazepine-opioid co-prescribing and to mitigate overdose risk in patients with established co-prescriptions.