Is narcotic overdose common?

Too Common: "fatal overdoses in the United States involving opioid analgesics has more than tripled since 1999, with higher rates among men, individuals aged 35 to 54 years, and non-hispanic whites. 3000 fatal overdoses in 1999."......From medscape neurology.

Overdose: Opioid overdose is not common - as this is the legitimate prescribing and responsible use. Narcotic overdose is common as this is the illegal use and obtaining. The latter is a significant issue in the USA.

Prescription>illegal: There are currently more deaths occurring from abuse of prescription narcotics than from heroin.

Unfortunately, yes: When narcotic pain medications such as oxycodone, demerol, (meperidine hydrochloride) morphine, and vicodin are used appropriately according to physician direction, overdose is extremely rare. However, when patients self-medicate and start to overuse narcotics, overdoses can easily happen. The risk is greatest when narcotics are unwisely combined with other sedatives such as valium, xanax, ativan, or alcohol.