Accidental death syndrome

Salicylates are widely used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. They are found in a variety of prescription and over-the-counter analgesics, cold preparations, and topical keratolytic products (methyl salicylate), and even Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate). Eiefore the introduction of child-resistant containers, aspirin overdose was one of the leading causes of accidental death in children. Two distinct syndromes of intoxication may occur, depending on whether the exposure is acute or chronic. 

Severe adverse reactions to SSRIs that were reported to Health Canada s database in 1986-1996 have been reviewed (73). There were 295 severe adverse reactions with 87 deaths. Of the fatal cases, 65 were due to intentional overdose. The other 22 deaths were due chiefly to other forms of suicide or were accidental or indeterminate (12 cases). Of the rest there were three cases of neuroleptic malignant syndrome and individual cases of cardiac or respiratory disease in which the role of SSRIs was less clear. 

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