Self‐poisoning in Newcastle, 1987‐1992

Abstract

As death usually occurs out of hospital, interventions to decrease mortality from self-poisoning must focus on prevention, and targeting drugs that are frequently taken or frequently lethal in overdose. Consideration should be given to the use of antidepressants that are safer in overdose. The use of antidepressants, barbiturates or chloral hydrate as sedatives should be discouraged.