@article{ref1,
title="Fatal Poisoning in Methadone and Buprenorphine Treated Patients - Are there Differences?",
journal="Pharmacopsychiatry",
year="2006",
author="Soyka, M. and Penning, R. and Wittchen, U.",
volume="39",
number="3",
pages="85-87",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Some recent studies have suggested a lower risk of fatal intoxications in drug-dependent patients under buprenorphine compared to methadone treatment. METHODS: Epidemiological reference data for the Munich region suggest that in 2003 approximately 10 % of all substitution patients were treated with buprenorphine, and 87 % with methadone. We studied the proportion of patients under methadone and buprenorphine substitution among drug-related deaths. Data from forensic post-mortem and toxicological analysis were analyzed. RESULTS: Data indicate that in 96 (35 %) of all 272 so-called drug deaths, methadone was involved compared to a single case of buprenorphine, possibly indicating a relatively better risk profile of buprenorphine. DISCUSSION: More prospective studies are necessary to assess the risk of fatal intoxications under different substitution regimens.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0176-3679",
doi="10.1055/s-2006-941482",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-941482"
}