Randomized Trialmoderate evidence
Intoxication and other subjective effects of preanesthetic opioids in surgical patients: A randomized controlled trial.
Cell reports. Medicine·September 11, 2026·PMID 42727585
Why it mattersPreoperative opioids are commonly given to improve patient comfort, but this trial shows they primarily cause intoxication and sedation rather than meaningful anxiety reduction or relaxation. Anesthesiologists and perioperative physicians should reconsider routine opioid premedication, especially given opioid stewardship priorities.
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