Contributory and Incidental Blood Concentrations in Deaths Involving Citalopram

• NCJ Number: 246057
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2013 Pages: 432-435
• Author(s): Shane Darke, Ph.D.; Michelle Torok, M.Soc.Sc.; Johan Duflou, M.Med.Path., F.R.C.P.A.
• Date Published: March 2013
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

All cases presenting to the New South Wales Department of Forensic Medicine between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2010 in which citalopram was detected were retrieved.

Abstract

A total of 348 cases were identified. Citalopram contributed to death in 21.0 percent, and was incidental in 79.0 percent. Cases in which citalopram was contributory to death had significantly higher blood citalopram concentrations than incidental cases (0.50 mg/L vs. 0.30 mg/L). Citalopram concentrations varied significantly by contributory status: sole citalopram toxicity (median = 1.30 mg/L), citalopram/other drug toxicity (0.50 mg/L), and incidental cases (0.30 mg/L). Citalopram concentrations also varied by suicide status, with the highest concentration found in suicides where citalopram contributed to death (0.70 mg/L) compared with 0.50 mg/L for nonsuicide cases where citalopram contributed to death. In almost all contributory cases (69/73), other psychoactive substances were also detected, most commonly benzodiazepines (47.9 percent), alcohol (45.2 percent), and opioids (40.1 percent). Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.