In 2017, American rock musician Chris Cornell tragically died by suicide through hanging in his MGM Grand Detroit hotel room. Despite initial reports suggesting suicide, his family has since come forward to refute this, attributing his death to the adverse effects of Ativan, a benzodiazepine medication. Cornell, known for his roles as the frontman of Soundgarden and Audioslave, had battled with drug and alcohol abuse in the past and had been in recovery for four years. He had been prescribed the benzodiazepine lorazepam (generic Ativan) in 2016 as a sleep aid. However, this prescribing practice may have gone against guidelines, as benzodiazepines are typically recommended only for short-term use, which is less than two weeks, or intermittently, as needed.
Benzodiazepines have been demonstrated to induce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some patients. At the time of Cornell’s death, the Ativan FDA package insert specifically cautioned that it might exacerbate existing depression or instigate new-onset depressive symptoms, with a potential for suicidal ideation that should be taken into consideration for patients using the medication.
At the time of Cornell’s passing, prior to the inclusion of the 2020 boxed warnings for abuse, misuse and physical dependence on all benzodiazepines, Ativan possessed the most stringent language in its FDA package insert regarding the risks associated with physical dependence and withdrawal. The insert emphasized the importance of limiting the duration of treatment, with a recommendation for short-term use (typically 2-4 weeks) and advised against prolonged usage without reevaluation of the necessity for continued therapy. Additionally, it warned against abrupt discontinuation, advocating instead for a gradual dosage tapering regimen following extended periods of use.
The guidelines for benzodiazepine prescription are clear: they should typically be prescribed for short durations, less than 2-4 weeks. Withdrawal symptoms, including rebound insomnia, can manifest after discontinuation of the recommended dose, sometimes as soon as one week into consumption Therefore, abrupt discontinuation of the medication is discouraged, and a gradual dosage-tapering schedule, dictated by patient symptoms, is advised after long-term exposure.
Dr. Drew Pinsky, a renowned addiction specialist, expressed that as someone in recovery from substance use disorder, Cornell should have avoided exposure to Ativan entirely. He emphasized this point, stating that benzodiazepines can be particularly dangerous for individuals with a history of addiction. Pinsky states:
Benzodiazepines can make people suicidal. It’s the hidden epidemic. People have gotta remember – we’re getting awareness about opiates. Benzos, over a long term, particularly – and by long term, I mean more than two weeks – are a very dangerous class of medications, and extremely dangerous if you have a history of addiction.
The coroner’s report indicated that “these drugs did not contribute to the cause of death.” Cornell’s post-mortem toxicology report revealed the presence of seven different drugs, including a notable amount of Ativan, an anxiety medication. This conclusion was inaccurate as, in May 2021, Cornell’s family reached a settlement in a lawsuit against the doctor who prescribed lorazepam (Ativan), although the specifics of the settlement remain confidential.
Chris’ death marks another senseless, tragic and preventable loss of a talented man to the irresponsible prescribing of benzodiazepines.
I’ve made the decision it’s time to call it a day. I only ask to be remembered as someone who faught a long and tough fight. Also as a loving father husband and person. I loved people but the stress that came along with this drug has turned me into someone I’m not the greatest way to remeber me is to use my name as an advocate and bring awareness to the dangers of benzos .please please please really bring this message to everyone stay away from these drugs. Thank love life love god and all those who have lost there lives to this horrible drug.
Please seek help immediately. Don’t give up.
Singing with the Angels. Best Rock Vocalist of all time.
I AM 81 YEARS OLE, WAS PRESCRIBED LORAZEPAM FOR 13 YEARS. UCSF HAD LEFT MESSAGES TO MY DOCTOR TO STOP PRESCRIBING THEM. I WAS ON 6MG EVERY NIGHT FOR RLS. I WAS READING HORROR STORIES ABOUT LORAZEPAM AND I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED COLD TURKEY, HAD A PSYCHOTIC BREAK, AND FOR 3 DAYS WAS IN HELL. MY PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR PUT ME ON CLONAZEPAM .5MG TO TAPER OFF THE 6MG OF LORAZEPAM, I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON 3MG TO TAPER. NEEDLESS TO SAY MY COMPLAINTS ABOUT FEELING LIKE I AM STILL HAVING WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS AFTER MANY MONTHS, I WAS TOLD, NO, YOU ARE PAST THAT. IT IS NOW 2-1/2 YEARS, AFTER MANY MEDICATIONS TO HELP ME SLEEP, I HAVE REBOUND INSOMNIA, BECAUSE LORAZEPAM WAS PRESCRIBED FOR SLEEP. I SLEEP 3 HOURS PER NIGHT, AM ALWAYS TIRED AND GRUMPY. I HAD CALLED THE PRESCRIBING DR TO TELL HIM HE NEVER SHOULD HAVE PRESCRIBED THAT MEDICINE FOR 13 YEARS, IT’S FOR SHORT TERM ONLY, HIS RESPONSE WAS “HOW DO YOU KNOW I PRESCRIBED IT, I SAID I HAVE THE BOTTLE WITH YOUR NAME ON IT, AND ANNUAL SUMMARIES FROM WALGREENS SHOWING ALL PRESCRIPTIONS FOR THE YEARS PAST AND YOUR NAME IS RIGHT THERE. NOT ONLY DID YOUR PRESCRIBE THE LORAZEPAM, YOU ALSO PRESCRIBED OXYCODONE, MANY TIMES FOR MY NECK PROBLEMS, WHICH EVENTUALLY I HAD TO HAVE 3 DISCS FUSED TO STOP THE PAIN. THIS IS A REAL NO, NO, YOU SHOULD NOT PRESCRIBE BENZOS WITH OPIOIDS. I HAVE TO BLEAME MYSELF FOR NOT RESEARCHING, I TRUSTED HIM 100%, MY BIG MISTAKE. I WOULD SUE HIM IF I THOUGHT I COULD STOP HIM FROM DOING THIS AGAIN TO SOMEONE ELSE, AND PAY FOR MY 2-1/2 YEARS OF SUFFERING, AND STILL CONTINUING TO SUFFER.
With all due respect, opioids have been prescribed with benzos for over 60 years. Some people really do need these medications for life, just so they can have a quality life. It’s up to you to do the research and tell your doctor that you don’t want to be on them. He was just doing his job honey.
I’m 65 years old. I’ve been taking medication for anxiety and panic attacks for most of my adult life, without it I would not be able to exist. I would not be able to leave my home. Go to the store, drive my car, or be around people. I wanted to die instead of living that horrible life that was just existing, I was terrified and scared of living. I will take the responsibility for taking a drug that is addicting. It’s much better than wanting to die.. I also take an antidepressant that helps tremendously. I see a therapist every couple months and a psychiatrist. I still get depressed and have anxiety occasionally, but with out those medications, I know I would be dead by now.
I will always love Chris. He will always be the best of the best. I’m sure he would’ve continued to make awesome music, but he made a choice that ended all that. I listen to his music quite often. Sometimes I’m sad listening to him, but most of the time I enjoy hearing his spectacular voice and his excellent songwriting.
Help. I am suffering. I am tapering slowly but do not know how much longer i can take this and stories like this scare me. A “doctor” put me on xanax back in 1997 for panic attacks. He told me I would need xanax for the rest of my life. Then I got depressed terribly so for the next 25 years or so, different doctors tried over 25 different drugs on me for the depression that was caused by benzodiazepines – only taken as directed! In 2013 another “doctor” switched me over to 4mg klonopin. I am down to 2.6mg. And 10 mg lexapro. Suffering. I need hope. All I hear are horror stories.
Why, just WHY, do they not expose the REAL monster in the room??? BIG PHARMA!!!!!! THEY, are the ones that KNOW the terrible life threatening chaos that this little pill causes. For years!!!! A lawsuit doesn’t help all of the people that this is and has affected. No amount of money in the world will make up for the deaths and misery it’s caused. I’m tired of the “cover-up code”!!!
This is not about Chris but the same could be said about the mass country music shooting in Vegas I think it was. They kept saying we don’t know they why? But i heard on the news long ago he had a script to Valium n even if he was out he may have been with drawing and that’s y he planned this killing n suicide. I don’t think all aspects of his course of this drug were taking into consideration as police do not understand the side effects on n tapering n crashing off benzos. He may have horded them to take at one time or stop abruptly. I wish someone would look into that to give the family a why and raise the awareness of the dangers of these drugs.
I agree. How many ppl have to die because of greed and money. The PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES have got to man up and admit it’s their fault.