Understanding overdose risks in patients taking opioids and benzodiazepines together
Official title: RFA-CE-22-011: Patterns and trajectories associated with overdose in patients co-prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10832959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how taking both opioids and benzodiazepines can increase the risk of overdose, and it aims to help doctors understand how to safely prescribe these medications to keep patients safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $350,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CE003468-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10832959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are currently prescribed both opioids and benzodiazepines for chronic pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not prescribed either opioids or benzodiazepines will likely not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the patterns and risks associated with patients who are prescribed both opioids and benzodiazepines, which can increase the likelihood of overdose. The study aims to identify factors that contribute to long-term use of benzodiazepines in patients already on opioids, as well as the prescribing patterns that lead to overdose incidents. By analyzing these factors, the research seeks to provide evidence-based guidance for clinicians on how to safely manage these medications in patients. Ultimately, the goal is to improve patient safety and reduce overdose rates among this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer prescribing practices and reduced overdose rates for patients taking opioids and benzodiazepines.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing, this study aims to provide new insights into overdose risks specifically associated with their co-prescription, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fenton, Joshua J — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Fenton, Joshua J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.