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DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-941482
Fatal Poisoning in Methadone and Buprenorphine Treated Patients - Are there Differences?
Publication History
Received: 18.4.2005
Revised: 25.7.2005
Accepted: 21.12.2005
Publication Date:
23 May 2006 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/pharmaco/200603/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-2006-941482-1.jpg)
Background: Some recent studies have suggested a lower risk of fatal intoxications in drug-dependent patients under buprenorphine compared to methadone treatment. Methods: Epidemiological reference data for the Munich region suggest that in 2003 approximately 10 % of all substitution patients were treated with buprenorphine, and 87 % with methadone. We studied the proportion of patients under methadone and buprenorphine substitution among drug-related deaths. Data from forensic post-mortem and toxicological analysis were analyzed. Results: Data indicate that in 96 (35 %) of all 272 so-called drug deaths, methadone was involved compared to a single case of buprenorphine, possibly indicating a relatively better risk profile of buprenorphine. Discussion: More prospective studies are necessary to assess the risk of fatal intoxications under different substitution regimens.
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Michael Soyka, M.D.
Psychiatric Hospital
University of Munich
Nussbaumstr. 7
80336 Munich
Phone: +89 5160 5324
Fax: +89 5160 5617
Email: Michael.soyka@med.uni-muenchen.de