| Methadone-related deaths in Norway. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 23246070 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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INTRODUCTION: The use of methadone in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) is potentially associated with a number of adverse effects and the risk of fatal toxicity. Increased methadone availability may lead to an increase in methadone-related deaths. We have investigated methadone-related deaths in Norway over the period 2000-2006. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methadone-positive samples over the period 2000-2006 were identified from forensic toxicological investigations, and demographic and toxicological data were retrieved. The cases were cross-linked with the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and regional OMT registers. RESULTS: A total of 312 individuals had died after taking methadone over the period 2000-2006, predominantly men with a mean age of 36. In 85% of cases (n=264), the deceased had died of a methadone-related intoxication, most often in combination with other drugs, including benzodiazepines, cannabis and other opioids. Only 22% of the deceased had been in OMT at the time of death. A larger proportion of OMT patients had died of causes other than intoxications compared to those not in OMT (30% vs. 8%, respectively), most commonly related to disease. CONCLUSIONS: One methadone-related death occurred, on average, every week over the time period investigated. Only 22% of the deceased were registered in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) programs. The findings underline the need to control diversion of medication from OMT programs. |
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Authors:
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Jean-Paul Bernard; Ingrid Havnes; Lars Slørdal; Helge Waal; Jørg Mørland; Hassan Z Khiabani |
Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2012-12-12 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Forensic science international Volume: - ISSN: 1872-6283 ISO Abbreviation: Forensic Sci. Int. Publication Date: 2012 Dec |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2012-12-18 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 7902034 Medline TA: Forensic Sci Int Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: - |
Copyright Information:
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Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. |
Affiliation:
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Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Forensic Medicine and Drug Abuse Research, Oslo, Norway; Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Department of Pharmacology, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: jpbern28@hotmail.com. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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