Opiate Analgesics and the Perioperative Management of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

As the rate of obesity and subsequently obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) continue to rise in North America and prescriptions for narcotic analgesics number in the tens of millions, it has become increasingly important to understand the interaction between OSA and opiate analgesics. Understanding the mechanism of action of opiate analgesics and the pathophysiology of OSA can help medical professionals understand the unique risks associated with pain management in this population of patients.