Methadone- and buprenorphine-related ambulance attendances: a population-based indicator of adverse events

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2008 Dec;35(4):457-61. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2007.12.007. Epub 2008 Mar 4.

Abstract

This study examined the nature and extent of methadone- and buprenorphine-related morbidity through a retrospective analysis of ambulance service records (N = 243) in Melbourne, Australia. Cases in which methadone and buprenorphine were implicated are examined. Demographic and presenting characteristics, transport outcomes, and other substance use were explored. There were 84 buprenorphine-related attendances and 159 methadone-related attendances recorded on the database over the 4-year period. Presenting signs (respiratory rate and Glasgow Coma Scale score) were lower in the methadone-related attendances. Most of the attendances resulted in transport to hospital. Most presentations did not involve traditional signs of opioid overdose, a finding that warrants further investigation. This is the first article to describe characteristics of methadone- and buprenorphine-related ambulance attendances, with results suggesting this may be a useful way to monitor harms associated with these medications in the future.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ambulances / statistics & numerical data
  • Buprenorphine / adverse effects*
  • Databases, Factual
  • Drug Overdose
  • Emergency Medical Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Glasgow Coma Scale
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / adverse effects*
  • Narcotics / adverse effects*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Respiration / drug effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Victoria
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Narcotics
  • Buprenorphine
  • Methadone