The controversial withdrawal of a common painkiller has dramatically cut suicides, say researchers.
A gradual phase-out of co-proxamol led to 350 fewer suicides and accidental deaths in England and Wales, a study in the British Medical Journal reports.
Regulators removed the drug's licence in 2007 after fears about the risk of overdose but the move proved unpopular with some patients and doctors.
That's good. I would rather be in pain any day than suicidal. It just amazes me how many side effects these drugs have anymore! It surprises me even more that the Federal Drug Administration allows them to go on the market.
I'm not familiar with Co-Proxamol but I have seen people abuse pain killers. I don't think that people realize that painkillers are dangerous and you can overdose from taking too many. I think the doctors should use caution when prescribing strong pain killers to patients. But, the doctors are not the blame because some people obtain pain pills in an illegal manner.
Painkiller ban 'has cut suicides'
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