Respiratory depression limits the use of opioid analgesia. Although well described clinically,
the specific mechanisms of opioid action on respiratory control centres in the brain have,
until recently, been less well understood. This article reviews the mechanisms of opioid-
induced respiratory depression, from the cellular to the systems level, to highlight gaps in
our current understanding, and to suggest avenues for further research. The ultimate aim of
combating opioid-induced respiratory depression would benefit patients in pain and …

OPIOIDS AND THE CONTROL OF RESPIRATION …