Comments on “Medical Outcomes Associated with Nonmedical Use of Methadone and Buprenorphine”

Abstract

We read with interest the recent article comparing the effects of nonmedical exposures of methadone and buprenorphine reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System ( 1 Lee S. Klein-Schwartz W. Welch C. Doyon S. Medical outcomes associated with nonmedical use of methadone and buprenorphine. J Emerg Med. 2013; 45: 199-205 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (23) Google Scholar ). We commend the authors for noting the inherent difficulty with the use of these data due to the problems with lack of confirmatory testing, reporting biases, and accuracy of information obtained through intermediaries. Medical Outcomes Associated with Nonmedical Use of Methadone and BuprenorphineJournal of Emergency MedicineVol. 45Issue 2PreviewThere exists a significant amount of misinformation regarding methadone and buprenorphine, and a belief that toxicity associated with nonmedical use of methadone and nonmedical use of buprenorphine is similar in severity and outcomes. Full-Text PDF