Question

A 55-year-old with chronic low back pain and depression is starting an SSRI. Which opioid safety principle applies?

Accepted Answer

Use lowest effective dose; reassess benefits/risks frequently and avoid dose escalation without clear benefit

Answer

Co-prescribe benzodiazepine to aid sleep

Answer

Set MME >=90 for efficacy

Answer

Continue indefinitely without monitoring

Answer

Use long-acting opioids first-line

Practice question

A 55-year-old with chronic low back pain and depression is starting an SSRI. Which opioid safety principle applies?