Hi,I am Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (Psychiatrist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
A family members death was found to be "suicide by meathadone overdose. I have requested the autopsy, toxicology, etc reports. I know the answer lies in the numbers but how would I have any clue as to whether it was accidental or intentional? ( I absolutely do not believe it to be the latter) I don't know how much she was prescribed, but I do know it was prescribed within a month of her death and her oxycodone prescription had been cut in half. What would I look for in the reports?
Secondly methadone and oxycodone are opioid class of drugs. These drugs cause death by respiratory depression. In autopsy report you should look for the level of these drugs and match them by normal levels which should be there. If the death is by their overdose their levels would be way above normal levels.
I hope this will help
God Bless Dr Hitesh Sharma MBBS MD PSYCHIATRY
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What Causes Death In Case Of Methadone Overdose?
Hello Welcome to HCM!!!! First of all hearty condolences to you. Secondly methadone and oxycodone are opioid class of drugs. These drugs cause death by respiratory depression. In autopsy report you should look for the level of these drugs and match them by normal levels which should be there. If the death is by their overdose their levels would be way above normal levels. I hope this will help God Bless Dr Hitesh Sharma MBBS MD PSYCHIATRY