Poisonings With Opioids and Benzodiazepines in Denmark: A Retrospective Study From the Danish Poison Information Centre

Abstract

Introduction

This study describes opioid and benzodiazepine poisonings in Denmark from 2014 to 2022. The analgesic effect of opioids and sedative effect of benzodiazepines are used to treat pain, insomnia and anxiety disorders and can cause abuse and addiction.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective observational register study with data from the Danish Poison Information Centre with alprazolam, clonazepam, oxazepam, buprenorphine, diacetylmorphine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone and tramadol poisonings. Multiple recordings of the same exposure are only registered once.

Results

Totally 10 965 enquiries were included with a 55/43% female/male ratio (2% unaccounted). The number of enquiries regarding poisonings with alprazolam increased from 56 in 2014 to 289 in 2022 (+416%) or from 2.27 to 7.71 per 1000 enquiries to the DPIC (+240%). The corresponding numbers regarding the other eight substances were buprenorphine [22/33 (+50%); 0.89/0.88 (−1%)], morphine [125/250 (+100%); 5.06/6.67 (+32%)], oxazepam [240/364 (+52%); 9.71/9.71 (0%)], oxycodone [44/199 (+352%); 1.78/5.31 (+198%)], tramadol [262/421 (+61%); 10.6/11.23 (+6%)], methadone [65/63 (−3%); 2.63/1.68 (−36%)], clonazepam [60/92 (+53%); 2.43/2.45 (+1%)] and diacetylmorphine [17/20 (+18%); 0.69/0.53 (−23%)].

Conclusion

In our 9-year study period, we observed large increases in poisonings with alprazolam and oxycodone. In the remaining drugs examined, we observed no change or even a reduction of the poisonings when adjusted for the general increase in enquiries to the DPIC.