Deaths from methadone use

All deaths from methadone poisoning occurring between 1991 and 1994 in Sheffield, UK, were studied. There were 18 deaths: 17 adults (14 men, 3 women), age range of 17-45 years (mean 29), and a 3-year-old female child. Blood methadone concentrations ranged from 200 microg/l to 1863 microg/l (mean 560 microg/l). Multiple drug use was common. Ten people had been prescribed methadone, whilst eight had obtained their methadone illegally. Only 3 people were long-term methadone users. The others were probably first time users or recently new to methadone programmes. Two, including the child, were apparently forced to drink methadone. Methadone is a potent drug with serious side-effects. Naïve users are particularly at risk of death. Toxic effects may be delayed, allowing large amounts to be ingested, giving both user and medical practitioner a false sense of security. Caution should be exercised when prescribing to new patients in methadone programmes. Controlled administration of methadone may prevent overdosage and ingestion by those to whom it is not prescribed.