Patterns of antiepileptic drug overdose differ between men and women: admissions to the Edinburgh Poisons Unit, 2000–2007

摘要: Summary Background and Aims: Antiepileptic drugs are increasingly used in patients with psychiatric disorders who at increased risk of self-harm. This might increase the likelihood that these agents as a means overdose. study was designed to examine rate occurrence antiepileptic drug overdose between 2000 2007. Methods: A retrospective observational examined patterns admitted Edinburgh Poisons Unit, compared prescription data for corresponding region. Data were using chi-square trend tests. Results: There 18 010 admissions Toxicology 613 ingested least one (3.4%). The most frequently implicated carbamazepine, sodium valproate, phenytoin lamotrigine, which corresponded those commonly prescribed. Women more likely ingest lamotrigine than men (P 1 day (22% vs. 8%, P < 0.0001) need transfer facility (14% 7%, 0.0001). Conclusions: Patients required intensive medical intervention ingestion other agents. Significant gender differences noted specific ingested. Further work is establish whether this discrepancy may be explained by gender-based prescribing practices.