Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding management measures for central sleep apnea as follows:
- Individuals with history of chronic opioid use and/or opioid abuse can present with suppression of the higher centers in the brain controlling the respiratory activity. Intake of opioid medications, such as, hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and methadone, with alcohol can significantly increase the risk of suppression of the higher centers in the brain controlling the respiratory activity. This can result in poor signal transmission to the muscles controlling the respiratory activity, thus contributing to development of central sleep apnea. Individuals with history of chronic opioid use for pain control must observe compliance with practicing alternative pain control measures and slowly wean themselves off of chronic opioid intake. Alternating opioid with non-opioid pain killer intake can be a good start.
- Individuals with history of chronic psychotropic medication use and/or abuse, as a side-effect of the medication intake, can present with suppression of the higher centers in the brain controlling the respiratory activity. Excessive intake of psychotropic medications, such as, sedative-hypnotics, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, can significantly increase the risk of suppression of the higher centers in the brain controlling the respiratory activity. This can result in poor signal transmission to the muscles controlling the respiratory activity, thus contributing to development of central sleep apnea. Individuals with history of chronic psychotropic medication intake can seek assistance with behavioral therapy and alternative measures for anxiety control to help reduce dependence on medication. Compliance with prescribed physical exercise, as tolerated, can help release of chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins enhance feelings of pleasure & well-being and also contribute to reducing pain & discomfort, which in long run leads to behavior changes and reduced need for intake of psychotropic medications.
