# An Overview of Opioid Prescription Patterns among Non-Opioid Users Following Emergency Department Admission

## TL;DR

This study examines opioid prescription patterns in emergency departments, highlighting tramadol's frequent use and potential risks.

## Contribution

The study identifies tramadol as the most prescribed opioid and emphasizes its unique risks and therapeutic implications.

## Key findings

- Tramadol was the most prescribed opioid, accounting for 84% of prescriptions.
- The average tramadol prescription was equivalent to 60 mg of morphine.
- The study highlights tramadol's serotonergic effects and increased fall risks.

## Abstract

The evolving landscape of opioid prescription practices necessitates a comprehensive understanding of emerging patterns, particularly among new opioid users discharged from emergency departments. This study delves into the intricate realm of opioid utilization by elucidating the prevalence of their prescriptions. A retrospective analysis of electronic health records was conducted, including a cohort of 71 patients who received opioid prescriptions upon discharge from emergency departments from 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2022. Demographic characteristics and prescription details were systematically examined. This study illuminates tramadol’s prominence, with 84% of prescriptions and a Defined Daily Dose (DDD) morphine equivalent of 60 mg, as the primary choice as a new opioid, a finding that draws attention due to the closely aligned dosages with morphine equivalents. This discovery prompts a critical reassessment of tramadol’s therapeutic role, considering its multifaceted nature encompassing serotonergic effects and heightened fall risks. This study advocates for a nuanced and vigilant approach to tramadol prescription, cognizant of its potential risks and therapeutic implications, and highlights the imperative of optimizing data quality and traceability within electronic health records to enhance patient care and facilitate future research endeavors.