Vital Signs: Overdoses of Prescription Opioid Pain Relievers & Other Drugs Among Women — United States, 1999–2010

July 5, 2013
The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions' Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report analyzes the rates of fatal drug overdoses among women using data from the National Vital Statistics System and the Drug Abuse Warning Network. The report finds that from 1999-2010, deaths among women from opioid pain reliever overdoses had increased 415%, and 265% for men. The report suggests that physicians screen and monitor patients for psychological disorders and use of psychotherapeutic drugs, check state prescription drug monitoring programs before prescribing controlled substances long-term, and following responsible prescribing guidelines.
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