Risk Factors for Chronic Prescription Opioid Use in Multiple Sclerosis

To characterize patterns of prescription opioid use among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and identify risk factors associated with chronic use.

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study examining US Department of Veterans Affairs electronic medical record data of Veterans with MS. The annual prevalence of prescription opioid use by type (any, acute, chronic, incident chronic) was calculated for each study year (2015-2017). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify demographics and medical, mental health, and substance use comorbidities in 2015-2016 associated with chronic prescription opioid use in 2017.

US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran's Health Administration.

National sample of Veterans with MS (N=14,974).

Chronic prescription opioid use (≥90 days).

All types of prescription opioid use declined across the 3 study years (chronic opioid use prevalence=14.6%, 14.0%, and 12.2%, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression, prior chronic opioid use, history of pain condition, paraplegia or hemiplegia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and rural residence were associated with greater risk of chronic prescription opioid use. History of dementia and psychotic disorder were both associated with lower risk of chronic prescription opioid use.

Despite reductions over time, chronic prescription opioid use remains common among a substantial minority of Veterans with MS and is associated with multiple biopsychosocial factors that are important for understanding risk for long-term use.