Methadone- and buprenorphine-related ambulance attendances: A population-based indicator of adverse events

S. Nielsen, P. Dietze, K. Cantwell, N. Lee, D. Taylor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study examined the nature and extent of methadone- and buprenorphine-related morbidity through a retrospective analysis of ambulance service records (N = 243) in Melbourne, Australia. Cases in which methadone and buprenorphine were implicated are examined. Demographic and presenting characteristics, transport outcomes, and other substance use were explored. There were 84 buprenorphine-related attendances and 159 methadone-related attendances recorded on the database over the 4-year period. Presenting signs (respiratory rate and Glasgow Coma Scale score) were lower in the methadone-related attendances. Most of the attendances resulted in transport to hospital. Most presentations did not involve traditional signs of opioid overdose, a finding that warrants further investigation. This is the first article to describe characteristics of methadone- and buprenorphine-related ambulance attendances, with results suggesting this may be a useful way to monitor harms associated with these medications in the future.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)457-461
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Volume35
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2008

Keywords

  • Ambulance attendance
  • Buprenorphine
  • Methadone
  • Opioid substitution treatment
  • Pharmacotherapy

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