(L.A.) Zuleika Cruz, 14, Died From a Drug OD
Case Number: 2023-11313
Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 14-year-old Hispanic female that occurred at her residence.
The coroner’s office has identified the young teen as Zuleika Cruz.
Manner of Death: Accident
Cause of Death: Combined Effects of Citalopram and Fentanyl
Other Significant Condition: Medical History of Depression
RIP ZULEIKA CRUZ (November 29, 2008 – August 26, 2023)
Formal pronouncement of death was made on Saturday at 10:05 a.m.
Ruling by the deputy medical examiner was published on June 18 the following year, presumably after the results of tox screening had come back positive for the drugs. Without a suicide note, most drug overdoses are ruled as accidents.
This has been classified as an accidental, i.e., unintentional, drug overdose.
Citalopram, sold under the brand name Celexa among others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class.
Citalopram carries a boxed warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teenagers, and young adults.
In the United States, citalopram is not allowed for individuals under the age of 18.
Using fentanyl together with citalopram increases the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity in the brain and body.
Healthcare professionals are advised to be aware of this potential drug interaction, as fentanyl and SSRIs like citalopram are commonly co-prescribed, especially in chronic pain patients with underlying depression.
There have been several lawsuits filed against the manufacturer Forest Laboratories (now owned by Allergan) related to the antidepressant citalopram (brand name Celexa).
In 2010, Forest paid $313 million to settle criminal charges and civil allegations that it illegally marketed citalopram for unapproved uses in children and adolescents, despite clinical trials showing lack of efficacy and increased suicidality risk in pediatric patients.