(L.A.) Araceli Garcia, 44, Died From Polypharmacy Overdose

Case Number: 2024-13964

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 44-year-old Hispanic female that occurred at her residence.

The coroner’s office has identified the woman as Araceli Garcia.

Manner of Death: Accident

Cause of Death: Effects of Fluoxetine, Methadone, Metoprolol, Venlafaxine, Lidocaine, Loperamide, Mitragynine, Citalopram, and Bupropion

RIP ARACELI GARCIA (October 30, 1979 – September 3, 2024)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Tuesday at 11:25 p.m.

Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published in mid-November, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back positive for the drugs.

This is considered an accidental, i.e., unintentional, drug overdose.

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.

Methadone is a synthetic opioid used for pain management and as part of treatment for opioid use disorder. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids.

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that treats high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and heart failure. It works by slowing the heart rate and reducing blood pressure.

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that treats major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic used to numb tissue in a specific area. It is often used during minor surgical procedures or dental work.

Loperamide is an anti-diarrheal medication that slows down gut movement, reducing the frequency of bowel movements and making stool less watery. It is widely recognized as Imodium. There are individuals who intentionally misuse high doses to self-treat opioid withdrawal or to achieve a feeling of euphoria. Loperamide has been referred to as “poor man’s methadone” due to its potential use among individuals trying to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms without access to prescription medications.

Mitragynine is a compound found in the leaves of the kratom plant, often used for its stimulant effects at low doses and sedative effects at higher doses.

Citalopram is an antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

Bupropion is an antidepressant that is also used to help people quit smoking. It works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine.

* The combination of multiple antidepressants (Fluoxetine, Venlafaxine, Citalopram, and Bupropion) can elevate serotonin levels excessively, leading to symptoms such as confusion, rapid heart rate, and muscle spasms.

* Methadone and Lidocaine are directly indicated for pain management. Some people also take kratom to manage chronic pain.

* Loperamide and Methadone can both affect heart rhythm. High doses of Loperamide have been associated with serious cardiac events, including QT prolongation and arrhythmias. Additionally, combining these with Metoprolol may complicate cardiac management.

* Methadone and Loperamide can cause respiratory depression, and when combined with other depressants or sedatives (e.g., Lidocaine), this risk is heightened, potentially leading to death.