MMW Fortschritte der Medizin
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An international comparison reveals considerable differences in the legal constraints imposed upon a physician in his approach to the question of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Despite the fact that surveys show 50-80% of the German population to be in favor of active assistance for terminally-ill patients wishing to end their lives, in 2004 the Bundesärztekammer (Federal Medical Association) confirmed its earlier rejection of active euthanasia and assisted suicide. Instead, Germany favors palliative medical measures that enable those whose death is imminent to take their leave with dignity.
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Acute ingestion of opioids is associated with various side effects, such as nausea, dizziness and light-headedness that can impair a person's fitness to drive. Over the long-term, however, tolerance to the opioids develops, and such negative effects decrease. ⋯ A stable dose, absence of co-consumption of other psychotropic drugs, and a good general state of health of the patient may well be associated with continuing ability to drive. Patients who are able to critically assess their own situation should be given appropriate information.