Methadone- and heroin-related deaths in Florida.
Methadone is a potent synthetic opioid used for treatment of opioid dependence and chronic pain. Florida Department of Law Enforcement data were analyzed to examine trends in deaths related to or caused by methadone and/or heroin between 2001-2006. Results demonstrated that mortalities associated with methadone use increased steadily as mortalities associated with heroin decreased steadily. Though useful in the treatment of opioid dependence and chronic pain, methadone possesses high abuse potential and documented mortality risks. Treatment with methadone, for both pain and opioid dependence, should be preceded by an abuse liability evaluation. Attempts to minimize diversion should be implemented.
Graham
Noni A
NA
University of Florida College of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Medicine, Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA. nonig@ufl.edu
Merlo
Lisa J
LJ
Goldberger
Bruce A
BA
Gold
Mark S
MS
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002423:Cause of Death / Q000639:trends; D003334:Coroners and Medical Examiners; D016208:Databases, Factual; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000401:mortality; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D008691:Methadone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000401:mortality*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D008691:Methadone