Maradona on ‘danger mix of powerful drugs’
Fears they harmed his heart
DIEGO Maradona was taking a cocktail of drugs before he died that experts fear could have put pressure on his heart.
The Argentine football legend had been using the anti- psychotic Quetiapine, Naltrexone and epilepsy medication Gabapentin.
Records of the drugs Maradona took were seized by prosecutors investigating if his death was manslaughter.
Officials probing medical negligence claims raided the home and clinic of his doctor Leopoldo Luque on Sunday.
He denies any wrongdoing. Quetiapine is used to treat mood conditions including depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Gabapentin is taken for nerve pain caused by illnesses such as diabetes as well as to treat epilepsy.
According to Argentine media, Maradona was also prescribed a variety of other drugs by doctors.
They included Naltrexone, used for alcohol abuse, and anti-depressant Venlafaxine.
The former Napoli and Barcelona star died last Wednesday aged 60 from a heart attack, weeks after surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.
Neurology specialist Nelson Castro said: “There was a lot of mixing of anti-depressants and anti-psychotics.
“Several of these medicines have cardiac effects and one is an increase in heart rate.”
Dr Luque broke down in tears on Sunday when speaking after the raids. The neurosurgeon said: “I was shocked when police turned up at my door. I’m going to co-operate fully.
“I know what I did and what I did was for Diego’s benefit until the last moment. I did the best I could.
“I feel terrible because a friend died. I don’t blame myself. It’s very unfair what’s happening. Someone is trying to find a scapegoat.”
Dr Luque turned up at a prosecutor’s office in Buenos Aires on Monday to volunteer for questioning.