Actor and reality star, Corey Haim, 38, has died. The actor, who is known for his role in the film The Lost Boys, and for his 2 year stint with friend and frequent co-star Corey Feldman, on the A&E reality show, “The Two Coreys,” collapsed at his mother’s apartment in southern California. He was transported by ambulance to Providence St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Burbank, where he was pronounced dead. Haim has a long history of addiction to cocaine and prescription pain medications, and it is reported that local officials called his death an “apparent overdose, possibly accidental.” An autopsy, with toxicology, will be performed, as it is in all unexplained deaths. Additional information from Haim’s family said that he had had flu-like symptoms for a few days, and was taking over-the-counter medications for this.
A drug overdose is simply the accidental or intentional use of a drug or medicine in an amount that is higher than is normally used.
Drug overdose symptoms vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:
Causes of Death from Overdoses:
Drug Type |
Examples |
Symptoms of overuse |
Causes of Death |
Anticholinergics- drugs that block the neurotransmitter acetocholine | atropine, belladonna, antihistamines, and antipsychotic agents | Skin and moist tissues (like in the mouth and nose) become dry and flushed
Dilated pupils Inability to urinate Mental disturbances |
Seizures
Abnormal heart rhythms Extremely high blood pressure Coma |
Antidepressant drugs | amitriptyline, desipramine, and nortriptyline | Irregular heart rate
Vomiting (can lead to aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs) Low blood pressure Confusion Seizures |
Same as anticholinergics
Aspiration of vomitus into lungs |
Cocaine and Crack cocaine | Cocaine, crack cocaine | Seizures
Increase blood pressure Paranoia Other changes in behavior |
Seizures
High blood pressure Increased heart rate Heart attack Stroke |
Depressant drugs | Tranquilizers
Anti-anxiety drugs Sleeping pills |
Sleepiness
Slowed or slurred speech Difficulty walking or standing Blurred vision Impaired ability to think Disorientation Mood changes |
Slowed breathing
Very low blood pressure Stupor Coma Shock |
Narcotics or Opiates | Heroin, Morphine, Codeine | Sedation (sleepiness)
Pinpoint pupils |
Low blood pressure
Slowed heart rate Slowed breathing- can stop breathing completely |
Unfortunately, many people are addicted to a combination of drugs (polypharmacy), which can exaggerate symptoms, and make fatal complications more likely. Symptoms can also counterbalance each other, making the diagnosis and treatment more difficult.
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