What It Is, Why Officials Were Concerned, and What Happens If You're Exposed

Alberto Augsten, PharmD, MS, BCPP, DABAT | Augsten Consulting, LLC A new research letter in JAMA Pediatrics (Kleinman et al., March 2026) compared buprenorphine-naloxone and methadone for opioid overdose prevention in Ontario youths aged 15 to 24 with opioid use disorder (OUD). The findings, and the published responses they generated, carry direct implications for cases involving adolescent overdose, prescribing-standard disputes, and medical negligence claims tied to substan

Driving under the influence (DUI) cases often hinge on complex scientific evidence. Among the critical experts in these cases are forensic toxicologists. Their role in toxicology analysis for DUI is essential to understanding the presence and impact of substances in the body. This article explores the importance of forensic toxicologists in DUI defense cases, the nature of toxicology analysis, and how their expertise supports legal professionals and healthcare organizations.

In complex legal and healthcare cases, expert witness testimony can be the deciding factor in achieving a favorable outcome. When dealing with intricate issues in psychopharmacology and clinical toxicology, it is essential to rely on a consulting service that combines deep expertise with clear communication. Augsten Consulting stands out as a premier choice for expert witness services, offering specialized knowledge and practical support tailored to the needs of legal profess

When legal cases involve complex medical and pharmacological issues, expert witnesses play a crucial role in clarifying technical details. Pharmacology expert witnesses provide specialized knowledge that can influence case outcomes significantly. However, understanding the expert witness fee structure is essential for legal professionals and healthcare organizations to budget effectively and engage the right expertise. This article explores the components of pharmacology expe

Space is no longer the exclusive domain of government agencies and career astronauts. Commercial spaceflight is expanding, long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars are in active development, and a growing workforce—including engineers, researchers, mission personnel, and private individuals—will increasingly be exposed to the physiological demands of space travel. As this transition occurs, new scientific questions are emerging at the intersection of pharmacology, physiolo

When a patient takes a prescribed medication and develops a permanent, disabling movement disorder as a result, the legal consequences can be substantial. Tardive dyskinesia is one of the most well-documented and serious drug-induced adverse reactions in pharmacology — and it is increasingly the subject of civil litigation involving pharmaceutical manufacturers, prescribing physicians, and healthcare institutions. For attorneys handling pharmaceutical liability, medical malpr

When you're handling a case that involves drugs, medications, or toxic substances, the expert witness you choose can make or break your argument. Most attorneys know to look for a toxicologist — but very few think to ask whether their expert also holds board certification in psychopharmacology. Here's why that second credential matters more than you might expect. What Is DABAT? (Board Certification in Toxicology) DABAT stands for Diplomate of the American Board of Applied Tox

When the outcome of a case hinges on complex scientific or medical evidence, choosing the right forensic expert can be the difference between winning and losing. Yet many attorneys retain experts without asking the most critical questions upfront — and pay the price later in depositions or at trial. Whether you are handling a DUI defense, a personal injury case, or a criminal matter involving psychiatric evidence, here are five essential questions you should ask before signin

In DUI and alcohol-related cases, few pieces of evidence carry more weight than a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) estimate derived from the Widmark equation. Prosecutors and law enforcement routinely use it to reconstruct what a person's BAC was at a specific point in time — including at the moment they were behind the wheel. But what exactly is the Widmark equation, how does it work, and where does it fall short? Understanding both its power and its limitations is essentia

When drug-related litigation arises, attorneys face complex challenges that require specialized knowledge beyond typical legal expertise. Psychopharmacology expert witnesses bring critical insights into how medications affect the brain and body, helping courts understand the science behind drug effects, interactions, and toxicology. Hiring the right expert witness can make a significant difference in the outcome of cases involving prescription drugs, substance abuse, or toxic

What Is Lithium Lithium is a mood stabilizer medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Symptoms of depression include: Depressed mood — feeling sad, empty, or tearful Feeling worthless, guilty, hopeless, or helpless Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities Sleep and eat more or less than usual (for most people it is less) Low energy, trouble concentrating, or thoughts of death (suicidal

What Is an Alcohol Overdose? An alcohol overdose occurs when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that areas of the brain controlling basic life-support functions—such as breathing, heart rate, and temperature control—begin to shut down. Symptoms of alcohol overdose include mental confusion, difficulty remaining conscious, vomiting, seizure, trouble breathing, slow heart rate, clammy skin, dulled responses such as no gag reflex (which prevents choking), and extremely

A forensic toxicology examination is a science that examines issues and problems in law enforcement and the criminal justice system using toxicology principles and expertise. Forensic toxicologists are frequently called to testify in court in cases involving their own investigations or the findings of others. Forensic toxicologists must be familiar with a wide range of chemical substances in order to work as forensic toxicologists. Alle Dinge sind Gift, und nichts ist ohne Gi