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Over-the-counter drugs are the most likely to cause overdoses
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Intoxication of the body with drugs is, unfortunately, a common occurrence. Any drugs, even those sold in pharmacies without a prescription, can lead to negative consequences, ranging from poisoning to death.
In a new study, a team of scientists from the University of Rochester, led by Timothy Wiegenda, MD, PhD, of the same university, analyzed data from the second annual report of the Consortium of Toxicologists. The results of the scientists' research are published in the Springer's Journal of Medical Toxicology.
In 2010, the American College of Toxicology created its own registry that records all cases of drug poisoning. This registry is a very important component of toxicological research aimed at studying the biological safety of drugs.
A team of scientists analyzed data from 2011 and found that 10,392 cases of drug poisoning were recorded during that period. Of these, 53% were hospitalized with severe poisoning. The most common cause of overdoses was taking too many medications. 37% of such cases were due to intentional drug use, and 11% were due to carelessness.
Sleeping pills, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and painkillers are the most common medications that cause serious intoxication of the body.
In addition, 35 fatal overdose cases were recorded, ten of which were caused by the abuse of non-narcotic painkillers, and eight by opioid analgesics.
"Opioid painkillers, which people often take without following the recommendations and adjust the dosage themselves, are of great concern. No less dangerous consequences can be caused by uncontrolled use of sleeping pills. The problem of drug abuse will not disappear as long as they are sold without a doctor's prescription," the researchers say.
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