Fatalities associated with an acute overdose of glutethimide (Doriden) and codeine

Abuse of the oral combination of glutethimide (DORIDEN) and codeine, commonly referred to as "sets", in the northwest Pennsylvania area is reviewed. Nine fatalities have been reported in the Erie area from 1985-87 due to acute toxicity with this combination. The glutethimide/codeine combination reportedly produces a euphoric effect comparable to intravenous heroin but is longer lasting. Age of the victims ranged from 18 to 37 years. In all cases there was a history of chronic intentional "sets" abuse by the victims prior to death. The 9 fatalities due to this combination of prescription drugs is unusually high for this area considering the population and rural nature of the Erie community. Although the use of "sets" has been reported occasionally in other localized areas of the country, no other significant use has been reported in Pennsylvania.