Impacto toxicológico en muertes asociadas por benzodiacepinas, fentanilo y sus análogos. Revisión bibliográfica

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Abusing benzodiazepines, fentanyl, and their analogs constitute a global public health issue. Illicit manufacturing of fentanyl and benzodiazepines has led to highly potent derivatives capable of causing overdoses at low doses. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to determine the toxicological impact on deaths associated with benzodiazepines, fentanyl, and their analogs through a bibliographic review of the last ten years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this article, databases from the Library of the Catholic University of Cuenca and manuals from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) were used. RESULTS: Several investigations worldwide have indicated an increase in the number of poisonings and deaths each year as a result of the improper use of benzodiazepines, fentanyl, and their analogs, as well as the introduction of new fentanyl analogs into the illicit market. CONCLUSION: Many deaths resulting from the misuse of these substances are not included in statistics, making it necessary for health authorities worldwide to take prompt action to control this epidemic that is gaining strength in society.