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After reading this, I hope everyone fully realizes if they did not before that just because a doctor prescribes a medication does not mean you need to take it or take it in excess. Make sure you understand what you are receiving and what the medicine will do in combination with any other drug you are taking. It may save your life.



Deadly Combination

Here are the drugs found in Heath Ledger's body:



• Oxycodone -- narcotic/painkiller; trade names: OxyContin, Percodan

• Hydrocodone -- narcotic/painkiller; trade name (combined with acetaminophen): Vicodin

• Diazepam -- anti-anxiety drug; trade name: Valium

• Alprazolam -- anti-anxiety drug; trade name: Xanax

• Doxylamine -- sleep medication; trade name: Unisom

• Temazepam -- sleep medication; trade name: Restoril



The combination of drugs could cause the brain and brain stem to "fall asleep," halting heart and lung function.



Sources: Dr. Gregory Davis, College of American Pathologists; Drugs.com



In a statement released through Ledger's publicist, Ledger's father, Kim, said Wednesday: "While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage."