More than two years ago, linebacker Junior Seau committed suicide. It was reported at the time that Seau had been taking Ambien to help him sleep, albeit unsuccessfully.
Now, 10News.com in San Diego reports that Seau indeed had Ambien in his home at the time of his death. The ABC affiliate in San Diego also reports that former Chargers physician David Chao had prescribed the medication — and shares an expert opinion that Seau should not have been taking Ambien due to a history of depression.
“In a case as in Junior Seau, who is suffering from a variety of problems manifested by confusion, depression, improper atypical behavior … you don’t prescribe a drug like Ambien,” Dr. Cyril Wecht told 10News.com. “You may be placing that patient at greater risk to doing something to himself, such as committing suicide.”
Seau’s family has filed suit against the NFL for brain injuries occurring during two decades of NFL football. Seau’s family did not sue Chao, and the two-year statute of limitations most likely expired on the 2014 anniversary of Seau’s passing.