14 Drug Overdosing
Preventing intentional drug overdose with paracetamol What we can do together Content warning: This article contains sensitive information on self-harm, which some readers may find triggering. Any readers particularly affected by this content are advised to link with a supervisor or allied supports available. Additional supports are listed at the end of this article. Written by: Dr Caroline Daly, Postdoctoral Researcher, National Suicide Research Foundation and Paracetamol WG Co-ordinator Dr Michelle O’Driscoll, Postdoctoral Researcher National Suicide Research Foundation and Paracetamol WG Co-ordinator
Dr Caroline Daly
Prof. Philip Dodd, Consultant Psychiatrist/Clinical Professor, Mental Health Policy & Clinical Specialist at the Department of Health, Mental Health Unit, Clinical Advisor of National Office for Suicide Prevention and Paracetamol WG Co-Chair.
Paracetamol intentional drug overdose
Dr Michelle O’Driscoll
Paracetamol is the drug most frequently taken in intentional and accidental overdose in Ireland. Each year the National SelfHarm Registry Ireland (NSHRI) records approximately 2,300 hospital-presenting intentional drug overdoses with paracetamol, with rates increasing among young people.1,2 For every male overdose with paracetamol there are four female paracetamol IDOs.
Prof. Philip Dodd
Pictured at the launch of the campaign are Minister Mary Butler TD (Minister for Mental Health and Older People), and representatives from the Department of Health, National Suicide Research Foundation, HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention, Medicines Unit (DOH) and Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU)
JANUARY 2024 • HPN | HOSPITALPROFESSIONALNEWS.IE
Many paracetamol overdoses are clinically serious, and the physical consequences of overdoses occur in parallel with social and psychosocial impacts on individuals and their wider circles.
Restricting access to means Restricting access to means of self-harm, including paracetamol overdose, is the single most effective prevention measure. Statutory pack size and sales
