Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
20100124 22:40:05 (CNA, Taipei, 24th)
People who frequently take painkillers should be cautious. A Canadian study suggests that common ingredients in painkillers may increase the risk of fatal car accidents.
According to a report by the UK's *Daily Mail*, the study found that many drivers who died in car crashes had been taking codeine before recklessly driving to their deaths. Codeine is a morphine-like drug found in common over-the-counter painkillers such as Solpadeine and Nurofen Plus.
The study indicates that painkillers can make drivers drowsy, slow their reaction to dangerous situations, and increase the likelihood of errors.
Codeine is a prescription-only drug, but painkillers like Solpadeine and Nurofen Plus contain small amounts of it and are available at pharmacies.
In the UK, codeine-containing painkillers sell 27 million boxes annually.
Codeine is an opioid, though milder than opium, and belongs to the same class of narcotic pain relievers as morphine or methadone. Methadone is often used as a substitute for heroin to help addicts recover.
In this study, scientists from Canada's Lakehead University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine analyzed thousands of fatal road accidents in the U.S. since 1975.
They found that over 2,100 drivers who died in crashes had taken painkillers containing codeine, morphine, or methadone.
Cross-referencing this data with crash reports revealed that drivers who tested positive for these drugs were more likely to veer into oncoming traffic, speed, make dangerous turns, or drive recklessly.
Women taking painkillers showed a 42% increased risk of "dangerous driving behavior," while men taking them saw a sharp rise to 74%.
Published in the journal *Accident Analysis and Prevention*, the study identified young and middle-aged drivers as the groups most affected by painkillers.
The report noted that failing to stay in the correct lane was the primary cause of accidents. However, about 18% of drivers "under the influence" tended to speed, 7% frequently made illegal turns, and 6% drove recklessly.
"The increased risk of fatal crashes could also be due to underlying medical conditions or pain itself, but there is little evidence to support this claim."
Earlier this year, the UK government advised patients not to take codeine for more than three consecutive days to avoid addiction. (Translator: Tsai Han-cen, CNA) 990124
Source: http:/ / www. cna. com. tw/ ShowNe……240184& pType1=MF& pType0=aALL
Misuse of Painkillers May Increase Fatal Crash Risk
People who frequently take painkillers should be cautious. A Canadian study suggests that common ingredients in painkillers may increase the risk of fatal car accidents.
According to a report by the UK's *Daily Mail*, the study found that many drivers who died in car crashes had been taking codeine before recklessly driving to their deaths. Codeine is a morphine-like drug found in common over-the-counter painkillers such as Solpadeine and Nurofen Plus.
The study indicates that painkillers can make drivers drowsy, slow their reaction to dangerous situations, and increase the likelihood of errors.
Codeine is a prescription-only drug, but painkillers like Solpadeine and Nurofen Plus contain small amounts of it and are available at pharmacies.
In the UK, codeine-containing painkillers sell 27 million boxes annually.
Codeine is an opioid, though milder than opium, and belongs to the same class of narcotic pain relievers as morphine or methadone. Methadone is often used as a substitute for heroin to help addicts recover.
In this study, scientists from Canada's Lakehead University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine analyzed thousands of fatal road accidents in the U.S. since 1975.
They found that over 2,100 drivers who died in crashes had taken painkillers containing codeine, morphine, or methadone.
Cross-referencing this data with crash reports revealed that drivers who tested positive for these drugs were more likely to veer into oncoming traffic, speed, make dangerous turns, or drive recklessly.
Women taking painkillers showed a 42% increased risk of "dangerous driving behavior," while men taking them saw a sharp rise to 74%.
Published in the journal *Accident Analysis and Prevention*, the study identified young and middle-aged drivers as the groups most affected by painkillers.
The report noted that failing to stay in the correct lane was the primary cause of accidents. However, about 18% of drivers "under the influence" tended to speed, 7% frequently made illegal turns, and 6% drove recklessly.
"The increased risk of fatal crashes could also be due to underlying medical conditions or pain itself, but there is little evidence to support this claim."
Earlier this year, the UK government advised patients not to take codeine for more than three consecutive days to avoid addiction. (Translator: Tsai Han-cen, CNA) 990124
Source: http:/ / www. cna. com. tw/ ShowNe……240184& pType1=MF& pType0=aALL