Heath Ledger died of an accidental drug overdose, according to autopsy findings released today by Charles S. Hirsch the New York City Chief Medical Examiner. He was found dead on January 22, 2008 in a rented apartment in Manhattan, New York. Toxicology tests revealed that the actor's death happened from ingestion of six drugs. The drugs were oxycodone, hydrocodone,diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine "We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications," the coroner reported.
The combination of sedatives and the other medicines likely combined to suppress his brain function and his breathing.
Police had said they found six bottles of anti-Anxiety medicines, sleeping pills and other medicine in his Manhattan apartment after the Oscar-nominated actor was discovered dead in his bed last month.
Ledger's masseuse had found him unresponsive, after she arrived for an appointment at his apartment. She called 911 after first repeatedly calling actress Mary Kate Olsen. Ledger had moved into the apartment last fall after he broke up with actress Michelle Williams, the mother of his 2-year-old daughter Matilda.
Oxycodone is prescribed to relieve moderate to severe Pain. It is in a class of medications called opiod (narcotic) Analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
Hydrocodone is prescribed for pain. Hydrocodone/oxycodone overdose occurs when someone intentionally or accidentally take too much medicine containing these ingredients. A person may accidentally take too much of the medicine because they are not getting pain relief from their normal doses. There are several reasons why a person may intentionally take too much of this medication. It may be done to try to hurt oneself or to “get high” or intoxicated.
Diazepam, commonly known by its brand name Valium, is prescribed to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.
Temazepam, commonly known by its brand name Restoril, is prescribed on a short-term basis to help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
Alprazolam, commonly known by its brand name Xanax, is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and Panic attacks. Alprazolam is in a class of medications called Benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Doxylamine, commonly known by its brand name Unisom, an Antihistamine, causes drowsiness as a side effect and is used in the short-term treatment of Insomnia.
