Number of American children who suffered seizures after swallowing someone else’s medicine illegal substances Almost doubled between 2009 and 2023, New research shows,
These types of seizures among people under age 20 are projected to increase from 1,418 in 2009 to 2,749 in 2023, according to an analysis of national poison data by researchers at the University of Virginia.
Toxicities often include over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription antidepressants, and pain relievers, and illicit synthetic cannabinoids.
Incidence increased by an average of 5% annually. Among people ages 6 to 19, cases doubled over 15 years. Cases in children under 6 years of age increased by 45%.
“Seizures are one of the most severe symptoms a poisoned patient can experience, and children are especially vulnerable,” said Dr. Connor McDonald of the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
“Depending on where the seizure occurs, how long it continues, and the child’s pre-existing health conditions, seizures can cause long-term damage or even death,” McDonald said.
His team attributed the “extremely worrying” increase in cases to generally easier access to diphenhydramine. known as benadrylan over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, the pain reliever tramadol, antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) and synthetic designer drugs Known as K2 or spice.
“Legal and illegal drugs can be purchased online and shipped around the world,” McDonald said. “Therefore, these medications are becoming more available in homes and within reach of children.”
The researchers — who presented their findings at the European Emergency Medicine Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark on Wednesday — are calling on manufacturers to pack the drugs in child-resistant pill bottles and blister packs, where the user must push the tablet through the foil. There is a need to push, and for parents to store the medicine safely away from children.
