Prescription drugs such as those in the
opioid, benzodiazepine, and antidepressant
class (e.g.- oxycodone, diazepam, and
fluoxetine) were the leading type used in
suicide deaths. From 2005 to 2007, 79% of
suicides due to substance overdose were due
to prescription drugs only (n=2165).
• Over-the-counter drugs such as
acetaminophen were the second leading
substance type used in suicides. They
represented 10% of suicides due to substance
overdose (n=279).
• Street/recreational drugs and alcohol made up
the smallest proportion of these suicides (2%
and less than 1% respectively) (Figure 2).