Could an overdose of alprazolam have killed Sunanda Tharoor?

After the death of Sunanda Pushkar Tharoor, Union Minister Shashi Tharoor's wife, several theories about what caused her death have been surfaced. It was reported that she was suffering from tuberculosis and an immune disorder called lupus. Trace amounts of alprazolam, an antidepressant drug, were also detected in her blood, indicating that an overdose might have resulted in her death.

Although exact cause of her death is yet to be confirmed, according to Tharoor's family friend, Sunanda was going through a rough phase in her life and was much worried about her health. Handling health issues and all media attention related to her husband's extra-marital affair was apparently getting too much for her to handle. So, did these problems actually force her into an overdose of antidepressants? (Read: Sunanda Pushkar suffered from Lupus and TB)

The fact that lupus itself is a chronic disease with no specific cure makes the sufferer likely to be tired and depressed. Additional personal problems could act as a trigger of severe depression, as in Sunanda's case. Therefore, alprazolam overdose could be considered as a possibility for her death. Generally, antidepressants like alprazolam are prescribed for depression, panic disorders and anxiety disorders. Because antidepressants have a direct effect on the brain, drug dependence, addiction and tolerance is indicated.

Sources also revealed that Sunanda was starving that day and did not have any solid foods. Taking medication on an empty stomach could be really harsh. So, it might have further increased the absorption and effectiveness of the drug. Besides, it is well known that alprazolam is relatively more toxic than other benzodiazepine drugs. So, it is deliberately used for self-poisoning in most suicidal attempts. At times, even the prescribed dose may be dangerous for patients. (Read: Antidepressant drugs all your queries answered)

It is possible for a person taking multiple medications to suffer from drug interactions. Antidepressants are likely to interact with pain relievers and drugs used for blood pressure, stomach ulcers and gastro-intestinal diseases. Different types of antidepressants also interact with each other. Common side-effects of antidepressants include:

• Sweating, anxiety
• Nausea and dizziness
• Sleeplessness or sleepiness and restlessness
• Headache
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Sexual dysfunction

Side-effects of antidepressants should be immediately addressed by a doctor, and in case of drug dependence or tolerance, the drug should be withdrawn totally.

Whatever resulted in death of Sunanda Pushkar Tharoor, cases like these highlight the need for increased awareness about consequences of drug overdose, drug dependence and drug interactions.

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