METHADONE-RELATED OVERDOSE DEATHS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA, 1984-1994 - HOWSAFE IS METHADONE PRESCRIBING

Objective: To assess the safety of prescribing of methadone tablets an d syrup in South Australia by investigating overdose deaths of patient s using prescribed methadone and non-patients using illegally obtained methadone. Design: Surveillance study of deaths related to methadone overdose, 1984-1994.Data sources: Coroner's Office and the Therapeutic Goods Section of the South Australian Health Commission. Results: Per capita prescription of methadone tablets for chronic pain in South Au stralia was the highest in Australia in 1994. A large increase in deat hs, due mainly to methadone tablets prescribed for chronic pain, occur red in 1993-1994. illegal diversion of methadone to non-patients was r esponsible for half of the deaths during these two years. Deaths from overdoses of methadone syrup prescribed in maintenance therapy for dru g dependence declined from 1984 to 1994. The relative risk for patient deaths due to methadone tablets versus methadone syrup was estimated to be 7.29 (95% confidence limits, 2.15-31.48). Psychotropic drug comb inations were present in 86% of deaths. Conclusion: The methadone syru p program for drug dependence remains relatively safe. Our data raise concerns about prescribing methadone tablets for chronic pain. Better prescriber education and accountability, patient assessment and superv ision and advice to patients about concurrent use of alcohol and benzo diazepines are needed.