Predicting Stimulant and Opioid Co-prescribing Among Members Initiating Opioid Therapy Using a Machine Learning Model

Rates of central nervous system stimulant prescribing continue to rise, bringing increased attention to the risks associated with using stimulants and opioids together. Members receiving both therapies may face a higher risk of opioid misuse, dose escalation and overdose, underscoring the importance of identifying factors associated with co-prescribing. Machine learning models may provide insight into opportunities for earlier risk identification and more targeted intervention strategies among individuals initiating opioid therapy.