Abstract
Data were collected during a 3-month period on 177 consecutive cases of drug overdose (OD) evaluated in the emergency department (ED). Fifty-three percent of the patients were alert, 22% were lethargic, 15% were agitated, 7% were stuporous, and 3% were comatose. Sixty-six percent admitted that they were trying to either kill or harm themselves while 18% stated that their intent was to get high. The most commonly detected primary drugs confirmed by toxic screen were benzodiazepines (23%), alcohol (21%), non-narcotic analgesics (20%), antidepressants (10%), and barbiturates (7%). Forty-seven percent of the patients were admitted to a hospital for further care-28% to psychiatry, 14% to medicine, 3% to pediatrics, and 1% to surgery. Follow-up data were obtained on 79% a mean of 42 days after their ED visit. Only one death occurred; it was the result of acute complications from an antidepressant OD during the admission for the index ED visit. Two OD readmissions were noted for a recidivism rate of 3%. In our ED population, the serious medical complications of drug OD occurred in a minority of patients (16% or less), although admission to the hospital was often required. Although the short-term recidivism rate was low, the escalating trend towards suicide and drug OD in adolescents and young adults demands careful assessment in the ED.
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