What is a hallmark neurological feature linked to respiratory depression in opioid use disorder?

The hallmark neurological feature linked to respiratory depression in opioid use disorder is coma. Opioids depress the central nervous system, leading to reduced respiratory drive. This can result in hypoventilation or apnea, which significantly lowers oxygen levels in the blood.

As the oxygen levels drop and carbon dioxide accumulates, the brain becomes increasingly affected, leading to altered consciousness and possibly coma. Coma is characterized by a lack of responsiveness and the inability to be awakened, indicating severe CNS depression—a direct consequence of respiratory failure in opioid overdose situations. The severity of respiratory depression can escalate quickly, making coma a critical and acute manifestation requiring immediate medical intervention.

Other options such as hypertension, anxiety, and insomnia are not direct neurological consequences of respiratory depression. In fact, hypertension is more commonly associated with opioid withdrawal rather than overdose, while anxiety and insomnia are symptoms that may arise in other contexts, not specifically due to respiratory depression.