Las Vegas Gunman Was Prescribed Anti-Anxiety Drug That Can Cause Violent Outbursts: Report
Stephen Paddock — the gunman who opened fire on concertgoers in Las Vegas on Sunday night, killing at least 58 people and wounding more than 527 others — was prescribed a drug in June that could possibly lead to aggressive behavior.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Paddock was prescribed diazepam, a sedative that is often used to treat anxiety. Common brand names for the drug include Valium, Diastat and Diazepam Intensol.
Paddock was prescribed 50 tablets of 10 milligrams each. His doctor wrote the prescription on June 21.
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The prescription was filed with the Nevada Prescription Monitoring Program. The Las Vegas Review-Journal obtained the records on Wednesday.
PEOPLE called the doctor’s office that prescribed the prescriptions, but a woman who answered the phone was unable to give any details, citing patient confidentiality laws.
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Side effects of the drug are rare, but according to the National Institute of Health, some patients experience confusion, depression, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, decreased inhibitions, and suicidal tendencies.
Paddock purchased the Valium without insurance at a Reno drugstore in Reno on the day it was prescribed. He was supposed to take one pill a day.
It is unclear whether he ever took the drug, or if he used it correctly.
Paddock’s brother, Eric, told reporters on Monday that he was shocked at his brother’s actions.
How to help victims of the shooting
A victims’ fund has been started on GoFundMe by Steve Sisolak, the Clark County, Nevada, commission chair. Other groups providing relief include the local chapter of the American Red Cross and the National Compassion Fund.
