ABSTRACT OF THE WEEK

Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics
Volume 38 | Issue 3 (June 2015)

Intentional misuse of veterinary medications in human suicide.

J Vet Pharmacol Ther. June 2015;38(3):209-13.

A J Perrin¹

¹ Research Track Residency, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Abstract

Many veterinary medications can be lethal in human overdose. This review aims to educate practicing veterinarians about the most common medications used by humans in intentional overdose. Strategies to mitigate the risk posed by these medications are discussed, and the risk factors that predispose a person to suicide are reviewed. Synthesis of the published cases will allow veterinarians to easily identify high-risk medications and to take steps to prevent their misuse by at-risk patients or staff.

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