Open AccessPulverizing medication as a harm reduction and intentional drug overdose prevention strategy: Two case studies
Author(s) -
Takanobu Keisuke,
Okazaki Daisuke,
Watanabe Shinya,
Mitsui Nobuyuki,
Tanaka Teruaki
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
neuropsychopharmacology reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.661
H-Index - 13
ISSN - 2574-173X
DOI - 10.1002/npr2.12189
Subject(s) - drug overdose , medicine , harm reduction , drug , psychiatry , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , medical emergency , poison control , public health , nursing
Aims We explored the use of pulverized medication as a new method to prevent intentional drug overdose. Methods This case study presents data obtained from the medical records of two female patients, aged 19 and 27 years, who presented with schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorder, respectively. Both patients provided written informed consent. Medication was administered to the two patients in powdered form, as opposed to in tablet form, in an attempt to prevent intentional drug overdose. Results This administration method successfully prevented intentional drug overdose for 3 and 5 years in each case, respectively. However, case‐control or prospective cohort studies are needed to rule out biases, including cognitive bias. Conclusion Pulverizing medication is a simple and effective means of preventing intentional drug overdose by restricting access to the means of suicide, regardless of the type of mental disorder.