1 The annual number of deaths in England and Wales associated with poisoning by solids and liquids over the 8-year period between 1973 and 1980 has remained fairly constant with an average of 2897.
2 Marked trends in the number of deaths associated with specific drugs are evident and apparently reflect prescription trends and drug availability.
3 Barbiturate poisonings dropped steadily following the downward trend in barbiturate prescriptions.
4 Deaths associated with dextropropoxyphene, paracetamol and certain benzodiazepines increased dramatically.
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References
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Castledon, C.M., George, C.F., Marcer, D. & Mallett, C. (1977). Increased sensitivity to nitrazepam in old age . Brit. Med. J., 1, 10-12.
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Garriott, J.C., Dimaio, V.J.M. & Petty, C.S. (1982). Death by poisoning: A ten year survey of Dallas County. J. Forens. Sci., 27, 868 - 879.
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Osselton, M.D., Hammond, M.D. & Moffat, A.C. (1980). Statistics for deaths from poisoning 1973 to 1975 for England and Wales. J. Forens. Sci. Soc., 20, 125-134.
