Heath Ledger received a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor as the Joker in The Dark Knight.
Drugs listed in Heath Ledger’s Autopsy Toxicology Report:
Oxycodone, such as OxyContin, an opiate painkiller
Hydrocodone, such as Vicodin, an opiate painkiller
Diazepam, such as Valium, an anti-anxiety drug (benzodiazepine)
Alprazolam, such as Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug (benzodiazepine)
Temazepam, such as Restoril, an anti-anxiety drug (benzodiazepine)
Doxylamine, such as Unisom, an over the counter antihistamine
He was taking three psychotropic drugs known to be addictive and to have suicidality as a side effect.
Some of the side effects of psychotropic benzodiazepines can be:
Acute hyperexcitation
Aggressive behavior
Agitation
Agranulocytosis
Akathisia
Amnesia
Anxiety
Coma
Confusion
Depression
Disorientation
Drowsiness
Epileptic seizures
Excitability
Extreme restlessness
Fear
Hallucinations
Hostility
Hysteria
Insomnia
Irritability
Jaundice
Lethargy
Lightheadedness
Liver problems
Memory impairment
Muscle tremors
Nausea
Nervousness
Nightmares
Psychosis
Rage
Sedation
Severe depression
Sexual problems
Sleep disturbances
Slurred speech
Suicide attempt
Transient amnesia
Tremors
Daily use of therapeutic doses of benzodiazepines is associated with physical and psychological dependence, and abrupt cessation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. For example, drug experts say that Xanax is more addictive than most illegal drugs, including cocaine or heroin.
The benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, produce additive central nervous system depressant effects when co-administered with other psychotropic medications, anticonvulsants, antihistamines, ethanol and other drugs which themselves produce central nervous system depression.
The benzodiazepine’s exact mechanism of action is unknown. Clinically, all benzodiazepines cause a dose-related central nervous system depressant activity varying from mild impairment of task performance to hypnosis.
Everyone is encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information about psychotropic drugging, watch the Making A Killing video.