Propofol Addiction and Risks Among Healthcare Professionals
The uncontrolled use of easily accessible powerful anesthetic drugs among healthcare personnel has once again brought to the agenda risks that lead to fatal consequences.
The death of Op. Dr. Özlem Gültekin in İzmir due to propofol poisoning has opened up for discussion the risk of death and the danger of addiction stemming from the unregulated use of anesthetic drugs among healthcare workers.
Cause of Death Determined as Propofol Poisoning
It was announced in the Forensic Medicine Institution report that Obstetrician and Gynecologist Op. Dr. Özlem Gültekin, who lost her life at her private clinic in İzmir, died of poisoning due to the substance propofol.
Propofol, a short-acting anesthetic drug safely administered in millions of medical procedures, brings along the risk of overdose in uncontrolled uses due to its rapid effect, ability to cause loss of consciousness, and availability in healthcare facilities.
Similar and Known Cases in History
The substance, popularly known as milk of amnesia or white milk, also led to the death of famous artist Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009, due to an overdose administered by his doctor, Conrad Murray.
Healthcare Workers in the High-Risk Group
Reviews and expert evaluations in Turkey show that healthcare workers, especially those serving in operating rooms and anesthesiology units, are in the high-risk group.
Risk factors include easy access to the drug, the ability to conceal hazardous use, the need for sleep, and experienced traumas.
Association Data and Global Analyses
According to data from the Emergency Medicine Specialists Association of Turkey, between 2009 and 2019, at least 50 healthcare workers were found dead in hospital rooms or duty areas due to drug overdose.
In global analyses, the substances behind overdose deaths among medical personnel are ranked as propofol at 29 percent, midazolam at 10 percent, and muscle relaxants at 9 percent.
Addiction and Tolerance Warning from Experts
Prof. Dr. Kültegin Ögel, Medical Director of Moodist Psychiatry and Neurology Hospital, stated that healthcare workers turn to these substances to alleviate physical or psychological distress.
Experts emphasize that due to its high potential for addiction and the development of tolerance, it can lead to lethal doses, and the uncontrolled use of propofol outside of medical purposes poses a risk.