Double Suicide Due to the Ingestion of Levamisole-Adulterated Cocaine: Case Report and Review of the Literature. Issue 1 (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Serinelli, Serenella; Bonaccorso, Luigi; Furnari, Carmelo; Gitto, Lorenzo
• Is Part Of: Academic forensic pathology. Volume 12:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Forensic pathology -- Suicide -- Double suicide -- Elderly -- Cocaine -- Levamisole -- Aminorex; Forensic pathology -- Periodicals; Forensic pathology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1177/19253621211065334
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1925-3621

Abstract

Suicide is a major public health issue and the risk of attempting and committing suicide increases with age. We present the case of an elderly couple who decided to commit suicide together by self-poisoning using levamisole-adulterated cocaine. The choice of committing a double suicide, the method selected (self-poisoning), the drug self-administered (cocaine), and the route of administration (ingestion) are events rarely encountered in the forensic pathology practice, especially not in combination. In this article, we will review the literature regarding the frequency and features of these methods of suicide. An overview of the effects and mechanism of action of levamisole is also provided, highlighting the importance of including this substance and its metabolites in the routine toxicological analyses for cocaine deaths.