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Fatal Intoxications with Zopiclone—A Cause for Concern?

Author

Listed:
  • Lova Tralla

    (Linköping University
    National Board of Forensic Medicine)

  • Sara Gustavsson

    (National Board of Forensic Medicine)

  • Carl Söderberg

    (National Board of Forensic Medicine)

  • Anna K. Jönsson

    (Linköping University
    National Board of Forensic Medicine)

  • Fredrik C. Kugelberg

    (Linköping University
    National Board of Forensic Medicine)

Abstract

Introduction Zopiclone, a controlled substance prescribed for insomnia, has become a common toxicological finding in forensic autopsy cases. This study investigated the role and extent of zopiclone use in fatal intoxications in Sweden. Methods All forensic autopsy cases positive for zopiclone in femoral blood during 2012–2020 were selected. Among these cases, fatalities caused by intoxication according to the cause of death certificates issued by the forensic pathologist were identified. Intoxications where zopiclone contributed to the cause of death were included in the study. The Swedish Prescribed Drug Register was utilized to examine whether the included cases were prescribed zopiclone or not. Results In total 7320 fatal intoxications underwent a forensic autopsy during the study period, 573 of them were caused by zopiclone. Among the zopiclone fatalities, 87% (n = 494) had a prescription for zopiclone, and 8% (n = 43) were monointoxications. Most fatalities, 62% (n = 354) were suicides, and zopiclone was involved in about 17% (n = 354) of all intoxication suicides in Sweden. Women were significantly (p

Suggested Citation

  • Lova Tralla & Sara Gustavsson & Carl Söderberg & Anna K. Jönsson & Fredrik C. Kugelberg, 2024. "Fatal Intoxications with Zopiclone—A Cause for Concern?," Drug Safety, Springer, vol. 47(7), pages 687-697, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:drugsa:v:47:y:2024:i:7:d:10.1007_s40264-024-01424-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s40264-024-01424-6
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