Medical Examiner: Heath Ledger Died of Accidental Overdose

The New York City Medical Examiner has ruled that actor Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs that included painkillers, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication.

[Chris]

Sad loss.

Incidentally though, Hydrocodone is not another name for Ibuprofen. Different drug entirely.

[MaxAcceleration]

He was a walking pharmacy.......tragic.

As Chris mentioned, Hydrocodone is not ibuprofen...it is a semi-synthetic opioid that can be combined with ibuprofen (Vicoprofen) among other formulations. You would think an AP story would get this right.

[Befuddled]

Guy takes 6 different depressants and it's an "accident?"

Right.

I guess without a note there's no suicidal evidence of intent. But, losing his gilrfriend,(due to his heroin habit, BTW) must have proven too much for the weak, frail, actor.

Get real Hollywood. Those of us in the real world cope.

Or die.

We just don't get the same outpouring for leaving a false livelihood and sense of entitlement behind.

I feel much more sorry for the abandoned toddler, who has to live with the knowledge forever that "daddy just couldn't cope."

Sad, and useless.

[Judy RN]

You need to check your article. Hydrocodone is NOT another name for ibuprofen. Motrin is another name for Ibuprofen. Please edit thanks.

[MoniL]

This is really sad. Yesterday we learned that Pimp C overdosed on medicine and now today we learn the same thing about Ledger. What's really going on?

[have mercy]

Hydrocodone is NOT another name for Ibuprofen. Who writes this crap???

[Ron Jeremy]

have mercy wrote:

Hydrocodone is NOT another name for Ibuprofen. Who writes this crap???

Dr. Kavorkein (sp)?????

[Spot On]

Judy RN wrote:

You need to check your article. Hydrocodone is NOT another name for ibuprofen. Motrin is another name for Ibuprofen. Please edit thanks.

Uhhhhhhhhh Judy RN... Motrin is a brand that contains the active ingredient ibuprofen. How about this... Ibuprofen is the only name for ibuprofen...

Ibuprofen has no "alternate" name, and has no "generic" name. it is what it is.

Oh yeah, back to topic. I agree, it is a sad state of affairs that the phrase "accidental" even comes up. There was complete lack of responsibility on the parts of many people for him to have such a dangerous cocktail at his disposal... but ultimately, it's on his shoulders for making such a boneheaded decision to not understand the nature of (and the ramifications of poor usage habits) to the drugs he was combining.

[Big-Phil]

MoniL wrote:

This is really sad. Yesterday we learned that Pimp C overdosed on medicine and now today we learn the same thing about Ledger. What's really going on?

I believe that they are just taking to many pills to relieve their pain.after my female surgey i was given painkillers that made me dependent on them, an my doctor would not give me another prescription.(I had 3 refills an wanted more)..I was begging for them..they are verey addictive.(can you imagine mixing those pills.You would get a high that would not come down for dys..

[oh please]

Oh really? Accidental? That many at one time? oops

[Linda]

Why is it that every time one of these stars die, it's "accidental". Rich people sometimes can not handle pressure and try to take what they think is the easy way out and kill themselves too. What is the point of trying to dress it up by calling it an accidental overdose. He took too much medication and he is dead. Did he leave them a note saying if he dies it was an accident???

[Gamecock Fan]

When the rich & famous do it it's accidental . Average Joe does it he or she commits suicide

[arom]

Lets avoid accidental overdoses. Know about the drugs you are taking:

www.adverse-drug-reaction.net

[Linda]

LOL @ your comment to Judy RN. I was about to help her understand her mistake but you beat me to the punch.

Spot On wrote:

<quoted text>
Uhhhhhhhhh Judy RN... Motrin is a brand that contains the active ingredient ibuprofen. How about this... Ibuprofen is the only name for ibuprofen...
Ibuprofen has no "alternate" name, and has no "generic" name. it is what it is.
Oh yeah, back to topic. I agree, it is a sad state of affairs that the phrase "accidental" even comes up. There was complete lack of responsibility on the parts of many people for him to have such a dangerous cocktail at his disposal... but ultimately, it's on his shoulders for making such a boneheaded decision to not understand the nature of (and the ramifications of poor usage habits) to the drugs he was combining.

[MaxAcceleration]

LOL....I chuckled at the comment from Judy RN as well.......She just knows to charge $37.50 per dose.

I wonder if he was legally prescribed all of the drugs he had? It amazes me that people take combinations of prescription drugs because they think that they are safe since they were prescribed by a doctor.

Spot On wrote:

<quoted text>
Uhhhhhhhhh Judy RN... Motrin is a brand that contains the active ingredient ibuprofen. How about this... Ibuprofen is the only name for ibuprofen...
Ibuprofen has no "alternate" name, and has no "generic" name. it is what it is.
Oh yeah, back to topic. I agree, it is a sad state of affairs that the phrase "accidental" even comes up. There was complete lack of responsibility on the parts of many people for him to have such a dangerous cocktail at his disposal... but ultimately, it's on his shoulders for making such a boneheaded decision to not understand the nature of (and the ramifications of poor usage habits) to the drugs he was combining.

[Justice]

When a white "celebrty/richie" OD's, it's classified as an accidental OD, i.e. this character and the blonde trick that OD'd in Florida recently.

However, when a black "celebrity/richie"OD 's, it's classified as simply OD'd. Protecting one race while continuing to degrade another... even in death.

I wonder how they are going to eventually classify this Britney Spears kid's death.

[silent2long]

After seeing some excerpts from recent interviews, I don't feel this was accidental.

These hollywood stars need to be enrolled in some type of classes to help them deal with the fame and fortune that, in many cases, comes overnight.

I heard Mel Gibson in an interview stating that he contemplated suicide. One day is is as poor as dirt, the next day he is on the cover of every magazine and has more money than he could imagine.

I can see where it would be hard to stay grounded.

R.I.P.

[stumped]

Justice wrote:

When a white "celebrty/richie" OD's, it's classified as an accidental OD, i.e. this character and the blonde trick that OD'd in Florida recently.
However, when a black "celebrity/richie"OD 's, it's classified as simply OD'd. Protecting one race while continuing to degrade another... even in death.
I wonder how they are going to eventually classify this Britney Spears kid's death.

IKNEW SOMEONE WOULD BRING THIS SUBJECT UP SOONER OR LATER.
WE CANT SEEM TO GET AWAY FROM IT

[Justice]

stumped wrote:

<quoted text>
IKNEW SOMEONE WOULD BRING THIS SUBJECT UP SOONER OR LATER.
WE CANT SEEM TO GET AWAY FROM IT

Are you wondering why?... there are a few "factual" points I brought up... please be specific.

[O-Mammma]

Ike Turner should receive the same classification for his untimely passing.