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Humpert SR, Reveles KR, Bhakta K, Torrez SB, Evoy KE. Association of Gabapentinoids With Opioid-Related Overdose in the Inpatient Setting: A Single Center Retrospective Case-Control Study. Hosp Pharm 2024; 59:188-197. [PMID: 38450360 PMCID: PMC10913887 DOI: 10.1177/00185787231206522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: Recent data suggest concomitant gabapentinoid use increases opioid-related overdose (ORO) risk; however, this association has not been well studied in the hospital setting. The primary objective of this study was to compare ORO risk, indicated by naloxone administration, in patients receiving opioids plus gabapentinoids versus opioids alone. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study of adults admitted to a large community hospital from 1/1/20 to 12/31/21, all cases (defined as patients who received naloxone more than 24 hours after admission) identified were matched 1:1 to randomly selected controls (defined as patients on opioids who did not receive naloxone). The primary outcome was the percentage of cases and controls with concomitant inpatient gabapentinoid use. Logistic regression was performed to determine the independent association between gabapentinoids and ORO (as evidenced by inpatient naloxone administration). Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the 144 cases and 144 controls. Gabapentinoid exposure was greater for cases than controls (34.0%vs 20.8%, P = .0118). Median hospital length of stay (11vs 4 days, P < .0001) and mortality (19%vs 5%; P = .0018) were also higher for cases. In logistic regression analysis, ORO (adjusted OR 4.91; 95% CI 1.86-12.96) and serotonergic medication exposure (adjusted OR 4.31; 95% CI 1.50-12.38) were significantly associated with gabapentinoid use. Conclusions: Concomitant gabapentinoid use with opioids was associated with increased ORO risk in the inpatient setting. When considering prescribing gabapentinoids in conjunction with opioids in the hospital setting, potential benefits should be weighed against increased overdose risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby R. Humpert
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kelly R. Reveles
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kajal Bhakta
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- University Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sorina B. Torrez
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kirk E. Evoy
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- University Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Curry J, Coaston T, Vadlakonda A, Sakowitz S, Mallick S, Chervu N, Khoraminejad B, Benharash P. Trends, outcomes, and factors associated with in-hospital opioid overdose following major surgery. Surg Open Sci 2024; 18:111-116. [PMID: 38523845 PMCID: PMC10957460 DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With the growing opioid epidemic across the US, in-hospital utilization of opioids has garnered increasing attention. Using a national cohort, this study sought to characterize trends, outcomes, and factors associated with in-hospital opioid overdose (OD) following major elective operations. Methods We identified all adult (≥18 years) hospitalizations entailing select elective procedures in the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample. Patients who experienced in-hospital opioid overdose were characterized as OD (others: Non-OD). The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital OD. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were developed to evaluate the association between in-hospital OD and mortality, length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs, and non-home discharge. Results Of an estimated 11,096,064 hospitalizations meeting study criteria, 5375 (0.05 %) experienced a perioperative OD. Compared to others, OD were older (66 [57-73] vs 64 [54-72] years, p < 0.001), more commonly female (66.3 vs 56.7 %, p < 0.001), and in the lowest income quartile (26.4 vs 23.2 %, p < 0.001). After adjustment, female sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.68, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] 1.47-1.91, p < 0.001), White race (AOR 1.19, CI 1.01-1.42, p = 0.04), and history of substance use disorder (AOR 2.51, CI 1.87-3.37, p < 0.001) were associated with greater likelihood of OD. Finally, OD was associated with increased LOS (β +1.91 days, CI [1.60-2.21], p < 0.001), hospitalization costs (β +$7500, CI [5900-9100], p < 0.001), and greater odds of non-home discharge (AOR 2.00, CI 1.61-2.48, p < 0.001). Conclusion Perioperative OD remains a rare but costly complication after elective surgery. While pain control remains a priority postoperatively, protocols and recovery pathways must be re-examined to ensure patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Curry
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Troy Coaston
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amulya Vadlakonda
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sara Sakowitz
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Saad Mallick
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikhil Chervu
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Baran Khoraminejad
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peyman Benharash
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories, Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Rioux W, Kilby K, Jones S, Joshi P, Vandenberg S, Ghosh SM. Perspectives of healthcare workers on the integration of overdose detection technologies in acute care settings. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:4. [PMID: 38217056 PMCID: PMC10785401 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00433-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who use drugs (PWUD) face disproportionately high rates of hospitalizations and patient-initiated discharge (leaving against medical advice), explained by a combination of stigma, withdrawal, judgment, blame, and improper pain management. In addition, evidence has shown that despite abstinence-based policies within healthcare settings, PWUD continue to use their substances in healthcare environments often hidden away from hospital staff, resulting in fatalities. Various novel overdose detection technologies (ODTs) have been developed with early adoption in a few settings to reduce the morbidity and mortality from risky substance use patterns within healthcare environments. Our study aimed to gain the perspectives of healthcare workers across Canada on implementing ODTs within these settings. METHOD We used purposive and snowball sampling to recruit 16 healthcare professionals to participate in semi-structured interviews completed by two evaluators. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and subthemes. RESULTS Participants recognized ODTs as a potentially feasible solution for increasing the safety of PWUD in healthcare settings. Our results suggest the mixed ability of these services to decrease stigma and build rapport with PWUD. Participants further highlighted barriers to implementing these services, including pre-established policies, legal recourse, and coordination of emergency responses to suspected overdoses. Lastly, participants highlight that ODTs should only be one part of a multifaceted approach to reducing harm in healthcare settings and could currently be integrated into discharge planning. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals from across Canada found ODTs to be an acceptable intervention, but only as part of a larger suite of harm reduction interventions to reduce the harms associated with illicit drug use in healthcare settings. In contrast, participants noted institutional policies, stigma on behalf of healthcare workers and leadership would present significant challenges to their uptake and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Rioux
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kyle Kilby
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Pamela Joshi
- Provincial Perinatal Substance Use Program, BC Women's Hospital & Health Center, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - S Monty Ghosh
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Incidence of and predictors for serious opioid-related adverse drug events. Nursing 2022; 52:56-61. [PMID: 36129510 DOI: 10.1097/01.nurse.0000872476.95884.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the incidence of and predictors for serious opioid-related adverse drug events (ORADEs) in postoperative inpatients. METHODS A retrospective cohort study design of serious ORADEs in surgical inpatients between 2015 and 2017, who were abstracted from the electronic health record, in an 800-bed academic medical health center. RESULTS A total of 27,942 surgery patients met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 25,208 patients (90%) were exposed to opioids after surgery. A total of 25,133 (99.7%) patients exposed to opioids did not experience a serious ORADE while 75 (0.3%) patients did experience a serious ORADE and required naloxone. The predictors for ORADEs include age (OR = 1.040, P-value < .0001); gender (OR = 0.394, P-value = .0006); psychiatric disorder (OR = 4.440, CI: 2.435, 8.095); morphine level with respect to hydrocodone-acetaminophen (OR = 5.841, P-value = .0384); and were almost six times more likely to experience a serious ORADE when morphine is prescribed and 4.44 times more likely in patients with a psychiatric disorder (P-value < .0001). CONCLUSION Once a baseline incidence is known, predictors for serious ORADEs in surgical inpatients are useful in guiding medical-surgical nurses' opioid safety practices, with more frequent focused respiratory assessments before opioid dosing and closer monitoring when opioids are prescribed postoperatively, especially in higher-risk surgical inpatients.
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Lin LA, Bonar EE, Zhang L, Girard R, Coughlin LN. Alcohol-involved overdose deaths in US veterans. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 230:109196. [PMID: 34894477 PMCID: PMC8714700 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-involved overdose deaths are increasing and often occur with other substances but have been minimally studied compared to other causes of overdose. METHODS We used national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) records linked to National Death Index data from 2012 to 2018 to examine trends in alcohol-related overdose mortality. Patient characteristics and treatment receipt were compared across categories of alcohol overdose deaths (alcohol-only, alcohol+opioids which may include additional substances, and alcohol+other substances without opioids). RESULTS From 2012-2018, 2421 Veterans died from an alcohol-involved overdose (alcohol-only: 868, alcohol+opioids: 1269, alcohol+other substances: 284). The alcohol-involved overdose rate increased 57% during this period. Compared to those who died of an alcohol-only overdose, Veterans who died from alcohol+opioids and alcohol+other substances were more likely Black or Hispanic, and to have an opioid use disorder, but less likely to live in rural areas or to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Only 32.5% of those who died from alcohol-involved overdose received treatment in a substance use disorder clinic in the year preceding death, compared to 65.1% seen in mental health and 85.7% in primary care. Only 9.5% of Veterans who died from alcohol overdose received medication treatment for AUD and 24.8% received psychotherapy for AUD in the year preceding death. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol overdose is increasing primarily related to overdoses involving opioids and other substances. Most patients did not receive any effective medication or psychotherapy treatments for AUD, suggesting further need to identify those at risk and to target treatment for this vulnerable group in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewei A Lin
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Building 16 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Suite B10-G080, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, United States.
| | - Erin E Bonar
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Suite B10-G080, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, United States
| | - Lan Zhang
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Building 16 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Rachel Girard
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Building 16 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Lara N Coughlin
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Suite B10-G080, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, United States
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Kukielka E. The Safety of Benzodiazepines and Opioids in the Geriatric Population: An Analysis of Patient Safety Events Reported by Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgical Facilities. PATIENT SAFETY 2021. [DOI: 10.33940/data/2021.12.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines may increase the risk of cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, fractures, and motor vehicle crashes in patients 65 years and older. The concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may also be inappropriate for older adults due to the increased risk of overdose. We searched the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) for reports of patient safety events related to the concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids in older adults in order to gain a better understanding of the potential risks of using these medications in combination. We identified 80 reports in which a patient may have experienced an adverse drug reaction (ADR) to the combined use of a benzodiazepine and an opioid pain medication. Reports were reviewed to determine the ADR(s) experienced by the patient. Changes in mental status were most common, occurring in more than two-thirds of reports (68.8%; 55 of 80), followed by respiratory reactions (51.3%; 41 of 80) and cardiovascular reactions (25.0%; 20 of 80). In over two-thirds of reports (70.0%; 56 of 80), the patient received a reversal agent, either flumazenil (10.7%; 6 of 56) or naloxone (35.7%; 20 of 56), or both (53.6%; 30 of 56). The inappropriate use of benzodiazepines and opioid pain medications in combination among patients 65 years and older is a growing problem, and an increased awareness may be the first step for providers to begin addressing it.
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Al-Samawy S, Varughese N, Vaillancourt R, Wang XY(W, Penm J. A Global Survey on Opioid Stewardship Practices in Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study. PHARMACY 2021; 9:pharmacy9030122. [PMID: 34287334 PMCID: PMC8293457 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy9030122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The objectives of this study are to describe opioid stewardship practices in hospitals being implemented globally, in addition to investigating the attitudes and perceptions of health professionals regarding opioid stewardship in the hospital setting. Methods: A survey was developed by the research team to ask about participants’ attitudes and perceptions regarding opioid stewardship practices. The survey was piloted for performance by five independent third-party healthcare professionals prior to being made available online, being hosted using Research Electronic Data Capture software, with invitations distributed by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Descriptive analyses were used to describe the features of the study, and responses obtained from the survey were further categorised into subgroups separating answers relating to attitudes and perceptions, and policies and regulations. Results: Overall, there were 50 respondents from 18 countries, representing an 8% response rate from the FIP hospital pharmacy section mailing list. In total, 33/50 (66%) participants agreed opioids are overused nationally, with 22/49 (45%) agreeing they are overused at their workplace. Furthermore, 32/50 (64%) agreed the opioid crisis is a significant problem nationally, and 44/50 (88%) agreed opioid stewardship would reduce problems associated with the opioid crisis. Policies to educate providers about safe opioid prescribing were uncommon, not exhibited in 26/46 (57%) of hospitals, with all EMR and SE Asia hospitals not displaying this policy. Policy for investigation of narcotic discrepancies was present in 34/46 (74%) of hospitals, and there was a policy for reporting discrepancies at 33/46 (72%) hospitals. Conclusion: In conclusion, healthcare professionals in the American region are more likely to perceive the opioid crisis as a problem, as opposed to those from the European region. Regardless of the presence or absence of a crisis, the implementation of further opioid education and stewardship practices are necessary globally and will contribute to safer prescribing and utilisation practices in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Al-Samawy
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, 101 Currie St, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;
| | - Nisha Varughese
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (N.V.); (R.V.)
| | - Regis Vaillancourt
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada; (N.V.); (R.V.)
| | | | - Jonathan Penm
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Pharmacy and Bank Building A15, Science Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Prince of Wales Hospital, 320-346 Barker St, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Correspondence:
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A Large-Scale Observational Study on the Temporal Trends and Risk Factors of Opioid Overdose: Real-World Evidence for Better Opioids. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2021; 8:393-406. [PMID: 34037960 PMCID: PMC8324607 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-021-00253-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The USA is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic. To address the epidemic, we conducted a large-scale population study on opioid overdose. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the temporal trends and risk factors of inpatient opioid overdose. Based on its patterns, the secondary objective was to examine the innate properties of opioid analgesics underlying reduced overdose effects. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted based on a large-scale inpatient electronic health records database, Cerner Health Facts®, with (1) inclusion criteria for participants as patients admitted between 1 January, 2009 and 31 December, 2017 and (2) measurements as opioid overdose prevalence by year, demographics, and prescription opioid exposures. Results A total of 4,720,041 patients with 7,339,480 inpatient encounters were retrieved from Cerner Health Facts®. Among them, 30.2% patients were aged 65+ years, 57.0% female, 70.1% Caucasian, 42.3% single, 32.0% from the South, and 80.8% in an urban area. From 2009 to 2017, annual opioid overdose prevalence per 1000 patients significantly increased from 3.7 to 11.9 with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.16. Compared to the major demographic counterparts, being in (1) age group: 41–50 years (overall aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.31–1.40) or 51–64 years (overall aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.32–1.39), (2) marital status: divorced (overall aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.15–1.23), and (3) census region: West (overall aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.28–1.36) were significantly associated with a higher odds of opioid overdose. Prescription opioid exposures were also associated with an increased odds of opioid overdose, such as meperidine (overall aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06–1.13) and tramadol (overall aOR 2.20, 95% CI 2.14–2.27). Examination on the relationships between opioid analgesic properties and their association strengths, aORs, and opioid overdose showed that lower aOR values were significantly associated with (1) high molecular weight, (2) non-interaction with multi-drug resistance protein 1 or interaction with cytochrome P450 3A4, and (3) non-interaction with the delta opioid receptor or kappa opioid receptor. Conclusions The significant increasing trends of opioid overdose at the inpatient care setting from 2009 to 2017 suggested an ongoing need for efforts to combat the opioid overdose epidemic in the USA. Risk factors associated with opioid overdose included patient demographics and prescription opioid exposures. Moreover, there are physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties underlying reduced overdose effects, which can be utilized to develop better opioids. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40801-021-00253-8.
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Pupillary unrest, opioid intensity, and the impact of environmental stimulation on respiratory depression. J Clin Monit Comput 2021; 36:473-482. [PMID: 33651243 PMCID: PMC9123055 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-021-00675-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) confers significant morbidity, but its onset can be challenging to recognize. Pain or stimulation effects of conversation may mask or attenuate common clinical manifestations of OIRD. We asked whether pupillary unrest could provide an objective signal of opioid exposure, and whether this signal would be independent from the confounding influence of extrinsic stimulation. We conducted a cross-over trial of healthy volunteers using identical remifentanil infusions separated by a washout period; in both, pupillary unrest in ambient light (PUAL) was measured at 2.5-min intervals. During one infusion, investigators continuously engaged the subject in conversation, while in the other, a quiet environment was maintained; measures of respiratory depression were compared under each condition. We tested PUAL’s relationship to estimated opioid concentration under quiet conditions, measured PUAL’s discrimination of lower versus higher opioid exposure using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and assessed the effect of stimulation on PUAL versus opioid using mixed effects regression. Respiratory depression occurred more frequently under quiet conditions (p < 0.0001). Under both conditions, PUAL declined significantly over the course of the remifentanil infusion and rose during recovery (p < 0.0001). PUAL showed excellent discrimination in distinguishing higher versus absent-moderate opioid exposure (AUROC = 0.957 [0.929 to 0.985]), but was unaffected by interactive versus quiet conditions (mean difference, interactive – quiet = − 0.007, 95% CI − 0.016 to 0.002). PUAL is a consistent indicator of opioid effect, and distinguishes higher opioid concentrations independently of the stimulating effects of conversational interaction. Under equivalent opioid exposure, conversational interaction delayed the onset and minimized the severity of OIRD. Clinical trial registration: NCT 04301895
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