The Fatal Overdose of Drugs

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses each of the eight drugs that were in Anna Nicole Smith's system at the time of her death, including Chloral Hydrate, the anti-anxiety drugs of Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan as well as Benadryl, Nordiazepam, Temazepam and Oxazepam. The paper explores these drugs' intended uses and doses, as well as their mechanism of actions and relevant side effects. The paper relates that the combined sedative effects on the CNS respiratory system of various drugs whose uses together are an absolute contraindication, lead to the death of Mrs. Smith.

From the Paper:

"Anna Nicole Smith was found dead in her hotel room in Florida on February 8, 2007 due to what turned out to be, according to the official autopsy report, an accidental overdose referred to as "combined drug intoxication". Ms. Smith was found to have a total of 8 different drugs in her system at the time of her death, one of which was Chloral Hydrate, the drug that's toxic level ultimately lead to her untimely passing. The other 8 drugs were also present in her system, but according to the autopsy report, were only at therapeutic levels. Although drug concentrations at therapeutic levels may seem benign, they actually played a vital role in her overdosing via participation in drug-drug interactions with the Chloral Hydrate; in other words, had it not been for the other drugs in her system, the Chloral Hydrate wouldn't have been at a toxic level and Ms. Smith wouldn't have overdosed."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Anna Nicole Smith's Autopsy Report. The Smoking Gun. http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0326071anna1.html
• Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR). 2005. 59th Edition. No Specific Author.

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