Dextropropoxyphene deaths in Denmark from the health authority point of view

All known deaths resulting from poisoning with Dextropropoxyphene (n = 234) in the Municipality of Copenhagen during the period 1982 to 1989 were surveyed. The deaths were found to have occurred in a group characterized by social stress and abuse. A decline was observed in the annual number of deaths after 1985. The influence that the health authorities efforts and debates in the professional press had with regard to this development are discussed. Furthermore, it is recommended that more explicit criteria as to how the cause of death is to be determined in the future should be compiled.