Yep, a derivative of Fentanyl. One hundred and seventeen never woke up.
Posted on 10/02/2004 1:10:14 PM PDT by Former Military Chick
(Aug. 17) -- Toxicology tests confirm that Michael Tata died from a combination of the painkiller fentanyl and alcohol. The popular casino executive was found dead at his home in Henderson in July.
It's now believed that the powerful opium-based painkiller, fentanyl, is at least partly to blame. The coroner says Tata's death was accidental. But UMC clinical pharmacist Don Frisch says that fentanyl can turn deadly if it's used used recreationally, especially if alcohol is added to the mix:
"But when used in combination with other respiratory depressants, like alcohol or valium, you can actually have an enhanced effect on the respiratory system -- leading to death," Frisch said.
Fentanyl is used for the most severe types of pain, especially cancer. But it's recreational use has been steadily increasing.
According to police reports, Tata had consumed both vodka and a stick of fentanyl shortly before his death. Again, they say it was an accidental death.
As you can see this story did get a lot of FR hits when it happened.
I had stood fast that this must have been a fluke heart issue.
Needless to say when I saw Fentanyl was a contributing factor. As someone who has had a very painful injury and surgery's to correst it, I have used Fentanly for severe pain.
It is a medicine not to be played with. Evidently many a doctor has lost their MD for abuse of this narcotic.
It is sad that indeed this will be associated with his life but I hope others will take heed this is a bad drug to have fun with.
Prayers to the family,
Isn't that what the Russians used in storming the theater in Moscow a couple of years ago ?
bump
American Casino's Michael Tata: Cause of Death Revealed
by Sting7 -- 08/29/2004
More than a month after his death, toxicology exams have revealed the cause of the passing of hotel-casino executive Michael Tata, of American Casino. It appears that the talented young life of Tata is just one of the latest victims of a growing, and troubling, Las Vegas trend.
Michael Tata, a prominently featured and popular staff member shown on the Discovery Channel's American Casino, was found dead July 6 at his home in Henderson, NV. However, the cause of death could not be determined until toxicology test results were received. Those results are now in. Toxicology tests revealed evidence of the drug Fentanyl, a powerful pain medicine often used by cancer patients. The drug slows down respiratory functions and carries a warning not to be ingested with alcohol. The tests confirm that Tata died from a combination of the painkiller fentanyl and alcohol. His death has been ruled accidental.
However, those close to Tata say that the young executive had never reported having any form of cancer, nor did he show any symptoms of the disease. In fact, the work schedule he maintained suggested he was in perfect health.
The combination of fentanyl and alcohol has been referred on the club scene as a "Las Vegas Cocktail" in the suddenly-burgeoning prescription drug black market. Six to eight months ago, the "Las Vegas cocktail" was a blend of OxyContin and Soma, a prescription muscle relaxant. Now, the "cocktail" has morphed into a combination of Soma, Viagra and Fentanyl--a raspberry-flavored lollipop that delivers a narcotic commonly considered to be 80-100 times more powerful than morphine. Add a little cocaine, as is common, and you have a potentially lethal concoction that Detective Paul DeAngelis told the Las Vegas Mercury, "will (a) keep you up all night and (b) probably make your heart explode." DeAngelis is a Southern Nevada Pharmaceutical Narcotics Enforcement Team member, who adds, "The prescription (drug) problem in Nevada absolutely dwarfs that of illicit drugs,"
UMC clinical pharmacist Don Frisch concurs to the Associated Press that fentanyl can turn deadly if it's used recreationally, especially if alcohol is added to the mix, "When used in combination with other respiratory depressants, like alcohol or valium, you can actually have an enhanced effect on the respiratory system -- leading to death," Frisch said.
According to police reports, Tata had consumed both vodka and a stick of fentanyl shortly before his death. Again, they say it was an accidental death.
An episode on Sept. 3 will pay tribute to Michael Tata. Fans of the show are invited to make contributions to the Michael J. Tata Scholarship which will benefit the UNLV hotel administration program of which Tata was a graduate.
You can send your contribution to:
Michael Tata Scholarship Fund
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Box 456013
Las Vegas, NV 89154-6013
Sting7 has been a respected published writer for 16 years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.
Primary negative side-effect of fentanyl?? Tachycardia. And alcohol multiplies the damage.
Yep, a derivative of Fentanyl. One hundred and seventeen never woke up.
True. However, the mode of action pharmacalogically speaking is the same as most opiates in that it binds to opiate receptors in-vivo. It is an extremly potent drug also so it's not surprising that a little fentanyl and a few drinks did him in.
Did you see the memorial episode?
Thanks for the answer
I did, it was quite moving. Although I wonder how his friends and family feel after the release of this latest information.
Sometimes I think they should allow the dead to rest in peace along with the family left behind. I know folks wanted to hear how it happened he was so young, but, still did we really need to know how he died.
Those that do not learn history are bound to repeat it. Yes, we did need to know.
While your premise is correct, I do not know many that will say, hmm, let me look at my fentanyl patch as say "tata died from this so maybe I shouldn't" while that is possible, not sure it is probable ..
It just seems that perhaps in death, we should repsect .. unless they are pursueing a criminal case .. why tarnish the name and hurt the family ....
Oh yeah, we all have to know everything about everyone .. cause that is the kind of society we are .. busy body .. rude, thoughtless, knowitalls .. yeah that is the kind of person I DO NOT want to be ....
Yet, we should learn from the mistakes of others
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