Did Michael Jackson die from prescription drug use?

June 26, 10:09 AMDetroit Substance Abuse ExaminerMichael Velardo

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Demerol is usually injected

With the death of Michael Jackson probably on everyone's mind right now, the answer to the question of how he died has most eagerly awaiting the results of the autopsy. Already there are rumors circulating the narcotic pain killer Demerol may have been a factor in his death.

Demerol is a potent pain killer that is administered parenterally (injection), or enteral (by mouth). The drug also has many side effects, and certainly could have caused Jackson's death, especially if his health was already compromised.

Some side effects of Demerol, (generic name meperidine), are dizziness, constipation, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and drowsiness. In addition, rapid heart rate, (Tachycardia), fainting, mood changes, anxiety, mental confusion, hallucinations, nervousness, depression and seizures are the more problematic side effects necessitating contact with a doctor and/or emergency room visit.

The very real possibility exists that Michael had a reaction to the drug, and/or overdosed. If overdosed, Michael would have stopped breathing and essentially suffocated to death. Narcotics suppress breathing and eventually stop it altogether. From there, the heart ceases activity from lack of oxygen, and the brain goes about 4 minutes later.

If the pathologists doing Jackson's autopsy do not find any gross abnormalities in any of his internal organs like the heart, lungs, etc., to explain his death, his use of prescription drugs will appear more and more likely. However, until the toxicology reports come back, we won't know.

If Michael did suffer from a reaction to Demerol, his case will highlight, as others have, the dangers extant in using prescription drugs, and serves as a very strong reminder that they are nothing to play with.

Other articles you might like: Helping your children from prescription drug abuse, Teens more at risk for addiction than adults.