1Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, 575001.
* (Author for correspondence): Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka 576104. E-mail: vpalimar@yahoo.co.in
Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic drugs in modern medical practice. A case is reported where a young male was found dead in his room. No significant external injuries were present on the body, but intracranial haemorrhages were seen on internal examination during autopsy.
Chemical analysis of relevant viscera and body fluids revealed the presence of alcohol and a benzodiazepine compound, although the exact nature and concentration of the latter could not be established. The cause of death was furnished as death due to benzodiazepine overdose.
Benzodiazepine, Drug overdose, Chemical analysis
