3 ms·

I suspect the main killer in a significant number of these deaths is fentanyl or one of it's analogs that has been added to the heroin. I would also be curious

by goatsi 10y ago

I suspect the main killer in a significant number of these deaths is fentanyl or one of it's analogs that has been added to the heroin. I would also be curious to know how many of the dead also had alcohol and/or benzodiazepines in their systems, which dramatically increase respiratory depression in combination which each other and heroin/other opioids. For example, a UK study found that alcohol was present in 50% of heroin overdose deaths, and 37% had at least one benzodiazepine present.[0] [0]http://www.nta.nhs.uk/uploads/nta_rb27_combined_opiate_overdose.pdf http://www.nta.nhs.uk/uploads/nta_rb27_combined_opiate_overd...

tcj_phx 10y ago
> I would also be curious to know how many of the dead also had alcohol and/or benzodiazepines in their systems, which dramatically increase respiratory depression in combination which each other and heroin/other opioids. I didn't know that about benzodiazepines & opiates - thanks! I posted in another comment about having to call the firedepartment when my friend overdosed on me...
- goatsi 10y ago
  The danger of the combination should be much more widely publicized, as drugs like oxycodone and xanax are among the most widely prescribed in the US. There have been thousands of overdoses attributed to the combination but the FDA has only very recently required strong warning labels. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm518697.htm http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/uc...
- yoodenvranx 10y ago
  Check out this chart: http://wiki.tripsit.me/wiki/Drug_combinations http://wiki.tripsit.me/wiki/Drug_combinations On the bottom of the page there are also detailed descriptions for each combination, in your case it says: > Opioids & Benzodiazepines > Central nervous system and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically present. The two substances potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably, very rapidly leading to unconsciousness. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position Blackouts/memory loss likely. > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3454351/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3454351/

by goatsi 10y ago

tcj_phx 10y ago

> I would also be curious to know how many of the dead also had alcohol and/or benzodiazepines in their systems, which dramatically increase respiratory depression in combination which each other and heroin/other opioids. I didn't know that about benzodiazepines & opiates - thanks! I posted in another comment about having to call the firedepartment when my friend overdosed on me...

goatsi 10y ago
The danger of the combination should be much more widely publicized, as drugs like oxycodone and xanax are among the most widely prescribed in the US. There have been thousands of overdoses attributed to the combination but the FDA has only very recently required strong warning labels. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm518697.htm http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/uc...
yoodenvranx 10y ago
Check out this chart: http://wiki.tripsit.me/wiki/Drug_combinations http://wiki.tripsit.me/wiki/Drug_combinations On the bottom of the page there are also detailed descriptions for each combination, in your case it says: > Opioids & Benzodiazepines > Central nervous system and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically present. The two substances potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably, very rapidly leading to unconsciousness. While unconscious, vomit aspiration is a risk if not placed in the recovery position Blackouts/memory loss likely. > http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3454351/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3454351/