TMZ has confirmed two of the medications found at Heath Ledger's apartment were Xanax and Valium, both anti-anxiety drugs. Cops also found Ambien, along with several medications prescribed in Europe.
Heath's body has since been transported from the Medical Examiner's office to the Campbell Funeral Home in NY.
Filed under: R.I.P., Heath Ledger
106. The man is dead leaving behind a beautiful daughter. Man is not even cold and the vultures are starting with a the smack they can find on this wondeful actor. Leave the man alone- respect his wife, child and family. May Heath finally have peace.
Posted at 4:36PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by Carjacker
107. I loved heath ledger as an actor.... but the ambien could have killed him......
No one believes he was a druggie seriously... just a guy who worked too hard without adequate sleep
Posted at 4:37PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by ambien stocks going down
108. I never knew people snorted or injected ambien either... but all you have to do it.. google - ambien overdose
It says clearly people are snorting the ambien.... All I do know is...they must be really tired to snort sleeping pills
Posted at 4:38PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by ambien stocks going down
109. I have to say this to all of you who are discounting Heath Legder as cut rate actor, a b-lister or a mediocre actor....as though he isn't worth grieving for because he supposedly isn't on the level of a great actor lost. Jeez give me a break. It's a tragic loss to hell with the level of his acting. have a shred of compassion and decency here!!!!
I found Heath was an actor who by choice didn't go for the Hollywood fluff and money scene. He struck me as a very sensitive, real, intelligent man who was well on the path of a great actor. I wasn't aware of his work until Brokeback Mountain. I think he handled that role as good as the likes of Olivier or any great actor in history. It was very well thought out and sincere. For those who are all fixated on the gay content of his role go look at yourself and perhaps your latent tendencies.
I was proud of Heath for taking on challenging roles. He dared to go against the status quo and what the world expected of him; for that he deserves a great deal of admiration. I can't help feeling some sort of kinship with him being a fellow Aries. I know he was a deep thinking sensitive soul who cared about integrity, honor, and really stretching his ability. I honor him for staying on the path of the different drummer and enduring what that can bring. I offer one final resounding Bravo !! Heath. I wish peace in your soul Heath and in the hearts of all who cared for you.
Posted at 4:38PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by Bearheart108
110. Oh and to add a ps on to my earlier comment, just because you want to be the first one to report it, that doesnt make it excused. It makes your reporting about as credible as the globe with the three headed monster alien baby...or the idiotic people that always have to say "first" hoping they are the first comment.
Posted at 4:41PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by Stephanie
111. XANAX rules!!
Posted at 4:42PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by posters who write FIRST or 1st suck
112. Over the past year, I have had severe anxiety issues that put me in the hospital with a heart problem. Because of this, I was put on Paxil and Xanax then, through an uninformed doctor, was taken off Xanax and prescribed Valium because of its quick interaction with the body. I even took Ambien at one point for my insomnia due to the anxiety, but only used two pills because I disliked the side-effects to a point where I would rather not sleep at night, which I did for three weeks. Paxil takes two weeks to get in the bloodstream and the Xanax prescription I had couldn't compensate for the serotonin imbalance that I had. Unfortunately, the Valium I had - which was also at the minimal 2mg level - formed a quick dependency. We're talking two weeks.
This doctor actually wanted me taking a pill with every meal, while I was taking one every day. This doctor is no longer employed because he prescribed me and many other people with more serious issues (like my heart condition) with very little disregard for their long-term health. This stuff is near impossible to come off of even if you try - I have to take a 20% reduction every month (that's one-fifth of a pill) just so I can walk without having blackouts or operate without dizziness. I didn't even want to be on these drugs but trusted my doctor. It will now be three months before I can fully be off them without fear of blackouts or even more serious issues.
Just to let you know, every anti-anxiety drug interacts differently with each individual people and there are doctors out there who don't know the differences. I'm not rushing to judgment, and those who consider what Heath Ledger was using to be some sort of illicit narcotic that is recklessly abused should also consider the profession he is in and how little you know about him personally. This isn't to disregard the possibility of a drug overdose and I'm sure his family could care less about what me or you think of him as a person, but at least understand the drugs you're bagging on and understand that they can either be life-savers or extremely dangerous depending on many different variables that are not necessarily limited to the user. Valium, Ambien, and Xanax - the three drugs I have seen listed - are commonly prescribed drugs that don't necessarily hint towards reckless abuse...so at least wait and see.
Posted at 4:44PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by BW
113. #77, he was probably on both due to time of interaction. Some doctors believe in Valium because it interacts much quicker with the body and lasts as long as Xanax. This is also why it's much more dangerous and difficult to kick. He was probably prescribed both at some point in time - it doesn't necessarily mean he took both simultaneously.
Posted at 4:44PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by BW
114. Xanax and Valium are not the same drug. Valium is diazepam and Xanax is alprazolam - both, however, are benzodiazepines.
Posted at 4:44PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by BW
115. It's really sad... My condolences to all his family and close friends.
Posted at 4:44PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by Miss Marti M.
116. Just so you know, those anti-gay paost are being posted by the wbc group, they change their names they post under, but they are here trying to spread their word of hate to TMZ readers.
It's pointless arguing with them, they are narrow minded hate mongers, this is play time for them, don't let tham get to you, I say that but they got to me, so just try to remember who they are and what they do. They spread the word of hate and have been posting the same garbage throughout TMZ
By us getting offended, they feel they win
Posted at 4:44PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by Adrienne
117. that's so sad. I'm huge fan, seen ever movie and interview..
this kinda freaks me out though, i take the same medication!!! :{
Posted at 4:45PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by samantha
118. why is he 'a hero?'
Posted at 4:46PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by stef
119. I don't feel sorry for people who can't sleep. Take a year off from acting and get the rest you need. It's hard to sympathize but then I don't have a sleeping problem.
Posted at 4:46PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by ME
120. All of you saying that TMZ is shameless, has no respect, posting sourceless and baseless information before knowing if it's true - you're RIGHT - but they won't stop until WE do something.
I'm asking everyone here who is disgusted with TMZ's coverage of this tragedy and the like to join me in this action:
1. Stop clicking on TMZ and stop posting comments. Their advertising dollars are based on web hits.
2. Call your local TV carrier and tell them your concerns.
Only with a large public outcry will they even consider changing or stopping this. Just commenting here won't help - TMZ doesn't even read these comments.
Take action.
Posted at 4:48PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by RollingEyes
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