U.S. health advisers say the overdose-reversal drug naloxone should be made available as an over-the-counter medication.
overdose
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Fentanyl, the fast-acting and incredibly lethal opioid, killed more than 500 Mainers last year
Fentanyl is sometimes referred to as the “instant death,” an official from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services said Friday.
advertisement
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Number of Mainers who died from a drug overdose last year outpaced record set in 2021
Significantly impacting fatal overdoses is the introduction of xylazine and nonpharmaceutical tramadol. Both drugs showed up on toxicology reports for the first time in 2021, almost always in combination with fentanyl.
Posted inLocal & State
The Narcan effect: A new lease on life
Even as Maine experiences record numbers of overdose deaths, the expanded availability and use of the lifesaving opioid antidote naloxone presents a competing narrative.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Portland police investigate string of possible overdose deaths
Police suspect overdoses caused or contributed to three deaths over two days in the city, which has already more than doubled its fatal overdoses from last year.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Report highlights challenges to medication-assisted treatment access in rural Maine
The UVM-USM report surveyed more than 300 practitioners and community stakeholders to evaluate the unique needs and barriers to treatment for rural patients.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Incarcerated woman died from drug overdose at York County Jail
Nicole Turner, 34, was found dead in her cell Sunday morning, and the Maine State Police say the detective who investigated the case ‘found nothing suspicious.’
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland police report five overdoses, suspect contaminated heroin
They say the heroin likely contains a type of veterinary animal tranquilizer, which if injected can cause necrotic wounds, serious injury or death.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, New England, News
Federal task force to crack down on overprescription of opioids in the region
Four additional federal prosecutors will help local and federal law enforcement bring criminal cases against doctors and medical providers who are diverting opiates for profit.
Posted inOp-eds, Opinion
Interim Portland Chief: Responding to overdoses, officers prioritize saving lives
With long wait lists and too few treatment beds, police carry out a vital public health role by administering Narcan.