The large role of prescription drugs in accidental drug deaths

Drug abuse may involve illicit drugs, prescription drugs, or the combination of illicit and prescription drugs, with or without the use of alcohol. Historically, illicit drugs have been responsible for many of the drug-related deaths investigated by the medical examiner and coroner offices. However, in more recent years, deaths resulting from prescription drugs have become increasingly more common. This study reviewed all accidental (unintentional) drug deaths that were investigated at a medical examiner's office over a one-year time frame. The study revealed that prescription drugs made up the largest category of drug deaths, followed by prescription drug/illict drug combinations, followed by illict drugs. Drugs capable of causing or contributing to significant respiratory insuffuciency such as opioids, benzodiazepines, relaxants (defined as muscle relaxants or sleep medications), and alcohol, or some combination thereof, were detected in 197 out of 256 (77%) of all accidental drugs deaths, and were detected in 132 out of 138 (95%) of all prescription drug deaths (cases without any illict drugs detected). These prescription drugs were most often found in combination, and their similiar respiratory depressant effects can be cumulative and deadly. Language: en