Use of benzodiazepines in the general population and their involvement in acute self‐poisoning cases

Comparison of the Fatal Toxicity Index of Zopiclone with Benzodiazepines

“…The fatal toxicity of sedative agents varies between drug classes, with chloral hydrate and barbiturates having a greater risk than benzodiazepines (9). Differences in toxicity have also been described within the class of benzodiazepine drugs, the most commonly prescribed group of sedatives, and these differences have been attributed to their ability to sedate in overdose and the rapidity of onset of sedation (10)(11)(12)(13). Patterns of use, and abuse, of benzodiazepines may also contribute to their representation in fatal poisonings (13,14).…”

Ethical issues in pharmacoepidemiological research in Belgium

“…This article describes the ethical issues faced in planning, designing, performing and reporting pharmacoepidemiological research in Belgium, based on our experience with three studies: a study to describe the practice of euthanasia, 1 a study on cytomegalovirus infection in single solid organ transplants (R. Vander Stichele et al, presentation at the 15th International Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology Boston), 1999 and a study comparing the use of benzodiazepines in the general population and their involvement in acute self-poisoning. 2 In Belgium, all clinical research studies must be approved by an ethics committee. All hospitals must have ethics committees, with eight to 15 members, a majority of which must be physicians working in the hospital.…”