Powerful Sedative Propofol Killed Michael Jackson

The long awaited trial of Dr. Conrad Murray has begun. Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of mega pop-star Michael Jackson. Murray was hired as Jackson's personal physician and was paid $150,000 a month..

Whether Murray is innocent or guilty depends on several factors. Did the doctor's actions cause Jackson's death? Did he act recklessly and put Jackson's life in grave danger? Did Jackson's celebrity status and money cause the doctor to bend the rules regarding medication and monitoring? And finally, was Michael Jackson responsible for his own death? Was Jackson a fragile out-of-control patient bent on self destruction?

Jackson had a long history of drug abuse and addiction, but it was the powerful sedative drug propofal that ultimately caused his demise.

Propofol (also known as Diprovan) was found in Michel Jackson's blood along with other narcotics. Propofol was determined the cause of Jackson's death.

Propofol is a powerful sedative used mainly in intensive care and operating rooms. Patients receiving propofol require continuous monitoring. Propofol is not yet a controlled substance, and is easy for doctors to get. It was approved by the FDA in 1989. Until the Jackson death it attracted little attention. Any abuse of the drug was usually done by those in the medical field. The drug poses major risks for abusers.

In the operating room it is a safe effective drug when used correctly. . It induces a quick sleep and the patient wakes up refreshed. In the wrong hands it is quick acting and can be lethal. Too much of the drug will stop respiration immediately. The death rate among abusers is nearly 100%. There are stories of medical students experimenting with the drug and dying suddenly with the injection needle still stuck in their arm.

Murray admitted giving Jackson small doses of propofol, and said he was weaning Jackson off the drug.

There are many questions regarding the role of propofol in Jackson's death. A syringe which tested positive for propafol was found in the room where Jackson died on June 25, 2009.

Also, did Dr. Conrad Murray administer the propofol or did Jackson inject himself? Paramedics said Jackson died so suddenly, he didn't have time to close his eyes.

Sources:

http://www.time.com/arts/article/0,8599,1918363,00.html

http://.foxnews.com/entertainment/2009/07/03/source-powerful-sedative-propofol-michael-ja...