Characterization of Veterans’ Poisoning Events in the State of Florida

Increasing numbers of veterans are returning home with chronic pain and mental health disorders. Pharmacological treatments may be effective, but may also be increasing the incidence of poisonings among younger as well as older veterans, requiring greater resource expenditures at Veterans Administration (VA) facilities. Our objective was to characterize patterns of the poisoning among the veterans in Florida, using data obtained from the Florida Poisoning Control Information Network (FPCIN). We evaluated retrospective cohort data from 2005 to 2009 of 601 poisoning cases treated at Florida VA medical facilities with consultations from FPCIN. Intentional (suspected suicide) was the most common reason. Major adverse clinical outcomes were associated with the use of NSAIDs or alcohol. Antidepressants and anti-anxiolytics had the strongest association with intentional self-poisoning. Since medications are the major substances for the poisoning among the veterans, our study suggests that pharmaceutical treatments of veterans should include stronger prescribing guidelines and consideration of alternative therapies.