Mystery Drug Contributes to Teen Death at Party

A 16-year-old boy collapsed, vomited, and choked to death at an unsupervised party in Orinda, California, recently after drinking a small amount of alcohol and taking an unusual prescription medication. The medication - papaverine - causes blood vessels to expand, allowing increased blood flow. The drug is generally prescribed to treat urinary tract spasms and erectile dysfunction.

Authorities reported that Joseph Loudon had a "high level" of papaverine in his system, but that the drug was not prescribed for him and it is not known where he got it. Police Chief Bill French said this was the first time his department had come across this drug, and that he was unaware of any recreational use in the area. Tragically, other teens at the party delayed getting medical help for Loudon because they feared getting in trouble. Chief French commented: "He needed immediate medical care. ... There was a delay, and it resulted in his death."

(Source: www.sfgate.com)

Labels: drugs, teed drug use

Posted By: Aspen Education Group