CDC Report Links Methadone to Overdose Deaths

Methadone prescriptions represented approximately 2% of all painkiller prescriptions in the United States in 2009. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the drug was involved in over 30% of prescription painkiller overdose deaths during the same year. The CDC released these findings in a Vital Signs report today.

The report highlights a disproportionate impact of methadone on overdose fatalities relative to its prescription frequency. Further analysis is anticipated to investigate the reasons behind this disparity.