Six Unusual Cases of Drug Overdose

Abstract

Six patients out of a total of 1,137 adults treated for drug overdose died during the period M ay, 1968 to June, 1973. Their case histories are summarized, and the conclusion drawn that, whilst death from drug overdose is unusual, increased vigilance particularly for the unsuspected secondary diagnosis or complication, is nccded if there is to be any further reduction in the already small mortality rate. ,INTRODUCTION The sadness and loneliness of man is never better exemplified than in those patients who self-administer an overdose of drugs. These patients take a variety of drugs in a wide range of doses. Thus, they present to their medical attendants individual, personal, and management problems requiring a wide range of therapy. THE P ATIEKTS During the period of March ]968 to June 1973 a total of 1,137 adult patients were treated at Royal Newcastle Hospital following the selfadministration of an overdose of drugs. Of these, 118 suffered respiratory failure, according to blood gas analysis, either from the respiratory depressant effects of the drugs or other complications of the ingestion (Mills, Murree AlIen, James and Beath 1975). Paediatric patients are not included in this study. Six patients died, four of these from respiratory failure. The case histories of the six adults who died despite active treatment are presented: