Accidental Overdose

Anna Nicole Smith's autopsy report declared that her death was due to accidental overdose. Unfortunately according to a report in the February 2007 issue of MMWR, deaths from unintentional poisoning in th US is second only to motor-vehicle crashes as a cause of death from unintentional injury. There has been a substantial increase in death rates from accidental poisoning over the last several years. According to the Center for Disease Control, there has been a 62% increase in unintentional posioning mortality in the 5 years from 1999 to 2004. This trend may be due to greater use and abuse of narcotic medications such as oxycodone as well as psychotherapeutic medications such as sedatives.

Any death is a tragedy, let alone one that is accidental and avoidable. It is important to be aware of the correct dosage of any medication that you may be taking as well as any drug interactions when you are on multiple medicines. Please discuss all medication use with your doctors.