Correlations Between Prescriptions and Drugs Traken in Self-Poisoning: Implications for Prescribers and Drug Regulation

Prescription data for Australia were compared with drugs used in overdoses & suicide to determine which drugs are over-represented. Between July 1989 & June 1992, 1159 prescription drugs were taken in overdose. 83 drug-related deaths were investigated by the coroner between 1987-92. In 48 cases a prescription drug was the primary cause of death. Drugs over-represented included not only those prescribed for psychiatric conditions but also benzodiazepines, barbiturates & other anticonvulsants.