HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Will The Interactions Of The Medicines Be The Reason For Death?

Our 45 year old son died unxpectedly in February. We have just gotten the autopsy report. This is what it said re: cause of death: (Before a thorough autopsy was performed, the medical examiner, in a phone conversation, said he probably had a heart attack preciptated by COPD). Cause of Death: Acute intoxication due to the combined effects of alcohol, hydrocodone, citalopram, zolpidem and alprazolam. Except for alcohol, all of these drugs need prescriptions. We suspect one was for depression, one for asthma one (possibly) for COPD. Wouldn t it have been the responsibility of the prescribing doctor to warn our son about possible interactions and, of course, told him that none of them should be taken in combination with alcohol? My email is YYYY@YYYY . We live in MA; our son lived in New York City. FYI - we did have a conversation with our son s PCP, who was surprised to learn of his death. Is there any reason to re-contact the PCP for more information? - and/or clarification of his impressions re: our son s overall health. Thank you for any answer(s) you might give us.
Wed, 28 Sep 2016
Report Abuse
Diabetologist,  's  Response
Alcohol is a CNS depressant and it should be used cautiously with other CNS depressants. Aplrazolam, a benzodiazepine commonly used for insomnia is also a CNS(central nervous system)depressant. So is the zolpidem that is again used for insomnia. Hydrocodone is an opioid and can also cause CNS depression. Citalopram, an antidepressant may potentiate the CNS depression.
A large amount of alcohol along with the above drugs can have serious additive effect of CNS depression leading to death. And yes if my patient is on these number of depressants, a warning about alcohol consumption would have been made.
Hope this helps. Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Will The Interactions Of The Medicines Be The Reason For Death?

Alcohol is a CNS depressant and it should be used cautiously with other CNS depressants. Aplrazolam, a benzodiazepine commonly used for insomnia is also a CNS(central nervous system)depressant. So is the zolpidem that is again used for insomnia. Hydrocodone is an opioid and can also cause CNS depression. Citalopram, an antidepressant may potentiate the CNS depression. A large amount of alcohol along with the above drugs can have serious additive effect of CNS depression leading to death. And yes if my patient is on these number of depressants, a warning about alcohol consumption would have been made. Hope this helps. Thanks.