Respiratory depression

Respiratory depression or respiratory insuffíciency is when breathing reduces to a rate below 12 breaths per minute or fails to provide full ventilation and perfusion of the lungs.

Symptom recognition
Respiratory depression is not a known symptom of ME/CFS, but is a known side effect of some medications used for symptom relief in patients with ME/CFS, particularly opioids.

Possible causes
Respiratory depression may be caused by medications that act as respiratory depressants, a drug or other agent that diminishes normal breathing. Most respiratory depressants, such as alcohol and opioids, act by depressing the activity of the central nervous system.