Emergency department visits involving nonmedical use of selected prescription drugs in the United States, 2004-2008.
This report, adapted from the lead article in the June 10, 2010, issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports, describes the alarming increase in overdose deaths involving prescription drugs. Oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone were the drugs most highly implicated. Data were derived from the federal Drug Abuse Warning Network (Dawn). Other drugs commonly used in managing pain patients, including benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants, also were implicated.
Cai
R
R
Office of Applied Studies, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, USA.
Crane
E
E
Poneleit
K
K
Paulozzi
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000506:poisoning*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000401:mortality; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D001569:Benzodiazepines