|
From the news reports came the news that the medications may have caused the death of a very young person without much warning. Without all the details, let us look at the drugs, toxicity and drug interactions that may have contributed or caused Mr. Smith's death.
First it is apparent that Mr Smith was taking two antidepressant drugs, Zoloft™ and Lexapro.™ They represent duplicate therapy and their actions are similar, i.e. they increase serotonin levels in the body. References warn against this combination that can result in Serotonin Syndrome. This syndome is evidenced by possible confusion, hypertension, nausea, sweating and agitation.
These two medications have "cousins," or similar antidepressant drugs, that have been reported to increase the levels of methdone in some patients' systems.
That brings us to toxicity concerns about methadone, a pain releiever that has been used for decades to help the heroin or opioid dependent person with a withdrawal plan. Many media spokesmen have mis-stated that this is soley for people who were opium addicts. It is legitimate for chronic pain relief, but warrants close watching by the clinical team because there are increasing reports about deaths from methadone toxicity.
The longer action and slower onset of action may result in " extra" doses being self-prescribed by chronic pain sufferers, with resulting toxicity in days. The most critical time for this is in the first seven days the person is using it in place of other pain relievers.
The cost of the methadone is extremely low compared to many more poplar pain relievers so expect an increase in its use by doctors dedicated to monitoring it and the patient closely.
Even grapefruit juice can be a factor with this "cocktail" of prescription medicines. It can increase the Zoloft ™levels which can increase the methadone---and here we go...
Bottom line: Be a good consumer and talk with your pharmacist about your medications!
|
