Benoit’s doctor charged with drug distribution

As seen on MSNBC

The personal doctor of Chris Benoit was charged Monday with improperly dispensing painkillers and other drugs to patients other than the pro wrestler.

The seven-count indictment said Dr. Phil Astin dispensed drugs including Percocet, Xanax, Lorcet and Vicoprofen between April 2004 and September 2005.

Of special interest to us are the drugs. While we are not a doctor, we were able to find to following information online.

• Lorcet combines a narcotic analgesic (painkiller) and cough reliever with a non-narcotic analgesic for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. Lorcet also has side effects when combined with certain antidepressants.
  
• Percocet, a narcotic analgesic, is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It contains two drugs--acetaminophen and oxycodone. Acetaminophen is used to reduce both pain and fever. Oxycodone, a narcotic analgesic, is used for its calming effect and for pain.
  
• Vicoprofen is a chemical cousin of the well-known painkiller Vicodin. Both products contain the prescription pain medication hydrocodone. However, while Vicodin also includes acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), Vicoprofen replaces it with ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Advil).
  
• Xanax is a tranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or the treatment of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorder is marked by unrealistic worry or excessive fears and concerns. Xanax is an antidepressant with a number of side effects. Xanax treatment should be discontinued if any of the following occur: Hyper excitement, muscle spasm, anxiety, hallucinations, rage or other hostile behavior, tremors, insomnia, sleeping difficulties or over stimulation.

Returning to the story

The recipients were identified in the indictment by the initials O.G. and M.J. Benoit’s initials were not listed.

Astin was expected to make an initial court appearance Monday afternoon.

A criminal complaint was also filed, but was under seal. A law enforcement official close to the case, who spoke on condition of anonymity before the hearing, said the case involves steroids.

Federal drug agents have taken over the probe into whether Astin improperly prescribed testosterone and other drugs to Benoit before the wrestler killed his wife and son and committed suicide in his suburban Atlanta home last month. State prosecutors and sheriff’s officials are overseeing the death investigation.

Federal prosecutors are seeking the forfeiture of all property and proceeds Astin obtained through the illegal conduct if he’s convicted.

Investigators have conducted two raids at Astin’s west Georgia office since last week.

Astin prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a longtime friend, in the past but has not said what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office June 22, the day authorities believe Benoit killed his wife.

Toxicology tests on Benoit’s body have not yet been completed, Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard said.

Anabolic steroids were found in Benoit’s home, leading officials to wonder whether the drugs played a role in the killings. Some experts believe steroids can cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as “roid rage.”

“We’re still asking questions and searching for answers with regard to the death so we can tie up loose ends,” Ballard said.

Ballard said finding a motive in the case remains elusive.

“I think it will always be undetermined as to ’Why?”’ Ballard said. “I think it’s because there can’t be any satisfactory reason why you kill a 7-year-old.”

Authorities have said Benoit strangled his wife and son, placing Bibles next to their bodies, before hanging himself on the cable of a weight-machine in his home.

Benoit’s father, Michael, said Monday that “it’s impossible to come up with a rational explanation for a very irrational act.”

“That’s my feeling. Let the cards fall where they fall, we have no control over it at this point,” he said. “It’s just impossible to come up with a rational explanation for what happened.”

Looks like some of the drugs were prescibed to compensate for the bad side effects of other drugs. But the plan did not work out.