Rise of self-poisoning using pharmaceuticals a 'wake-up call' for Kiwi doctors, says expert

A new study into fatal poisoning in New Zealand with prescription drugs should be seen as a "wake-up call" for Kiwi doctors, one expert says.

Wellington Hospital ED doctor Paul Quigley told TVNZ1's Breakfast this morning the findings from Dr John Fountain's research shows a transition from at-risk Kiwis on how they are harming themselves.

"Initially, [Dr Fountain] was looking at things like carbon monoxide, which is a chemical form of poisoning and used to be a common form of suicide from car exhausts, but we've seen over the years that number drop.

"People have kind-of moved on to pharmaceutical poisoning."

Dr Quigley says in the Wellington area alone sees 700 presentations a year of intentional self-poisoning - "people intentionally taking prescription drugs to try and commit suicide".

He added "sleeper drugs" such as Zopiclone - a prescription medication highlighted by Dr Fountain in his studies over its high rate of deaths compared to overseas - are the "most dangerous" to at-risk people.

"It turns out from Dr Fountain's study it's one of the highest drugs there in terms of causing deaths."

Dr Quigley said there needs to be some reconsideration given to prescription amounts for drugs such as Zopiclone in New Zealand as a result of the study.

"This is a really good wake-up call for doctors out there prescribing Zopiclone that you need to be aware that it is being abused and it does end up causing deaths.

"There's already intentionally some restrictions on it - you should only be able to get a month's supply at a time - but I think in high-risk patients that should only be a week's worth."