Did Demerol Kill Michael Jackson?

Everywhere you turn, there is another theory about the pop icon Michael Jackson's death. One of the most recent, and most chilling to me, is that he suffered a fatal Demerol overdose. While it is purely speculation at this point, it does touch a nerve with me as the Guide to chronic pain.

Demerol is a narcotic pain reliever, available only by doctor's prescription. It is classified as an opioid analgesic, and is similar in strength and effect to morphine. Like other opioids, it has potentially deadly side effects if used inappropriately. For people with certain conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and respiratory problems, Demerol use can have serious complications. It can also cause respiratory distress or even death when combined with alcohol or other sedatives.

There is no doubt that Demerol is serious stuff. But why does it bother me so much that Demerol complications might have potentially led to the death of such a prominent celebrity? Well, it seems that every time I turn around, another celebrity is in the news talking about their addiction to painkillers. In the past few years, we have lost both Anna Nicole Smith and Heath Ledger to prescription medication overdoses. Each was reportedly taking multiple medications with potentially deadly effects when mixed together. It just makes me wonder, why were their physicians prescribing such potentially lethal combinations? It also makes me wonder how many ordinary people out there die of accidental overdoses and receive no press at all.

It seems to me that the greatest risk for deadly prescription combinations happens when you see multiple specialty doctors. You may assume that each doctor knows what the other is prescribing, but having worked in the health industry for over fifteen years I can assure you that this is not always the case. To protect yourself, you must keep good records of your medications. If you keep a pain journal, you can detail your daily doses there. Bring your journal to every doctor's appointment to ensure each has your current medication list, both prescription and over-the-counter. It might even be wise to carry a list of your prescriptions with you at all times, in case of emergency.

If you take Demerol for chronic pain, don't panic. But please, do go over your medications with your doctor and discuss any concerns you may have. It could very well save your life.