Heath Ledger received a posthumous Oscar for Best Supporting Actor as the Joker in The Dark Knight.<\/p>\n
Drugs listed in Heath Ledger’s Autopsy Toxicology Report:<\/p>\n
Oxycodone, such as OxyContin, an opiate painkiller
\nHydrocodone, such as Vicodin, an opiate painkiller
\nDiazepam, such as Valium, an anti-anxiety drug (benzodiazepine)
\nAlprazolam, such as Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug (benzodiazepine)
\nTemazepam, such as Restoril, an anti-anxiety drug (benzodiazepine)
\nDoxylamine, such as Unisom, an over the counter antihistamine<\/p>\n
He was taking three psychotropic drugs known to be addictive and to have suicidality as a side effect.<\/p>\n
Some of the side effects of psychotropic benzodiazepines can be:<\/p>\n
Acute hyperexcitation
\nAggressive behavior
\nAgitation
\nAgranulocytosis
\nAkathisia
\nAmnesia
\nAnxiety
\nComa
\nConfusion
\nDepression
\nDisorientation
\nDrowsiness
\nEpileptic seizures
\nExcitability
\nExtreme restlessness
\nFear
\nHallucinations
\nHostility
\nHysteria
\nInsomnia
\nIrritability
\nJaundice
\nLethargy
\nLightheadedness
\nLiver problems
\nMemory impairment
\nMuscle tremors
\nNausea
\nNervousness
\nNightmares
\nPsychosis
\nRage
\nSedation
\nSevere depression
\nSexual problems
\nSleep disturbances
\nSlurred speech
\nSuicide attempt
\nTransient amnesia
\nTremors<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Everyone is encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website<\/a> or call 1-800-FDA-1088.<\/p>\n For more information about psychotropic drugging, watch the Making A Killing video<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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, … Continue reading