Welcome to The Medicine Murders, the podcast where true crime meets pharmacology.

In this episode, we unravel the horrifying case of Dr. Harold Shipman—a trusted physician who became one of history’s most prolific serial killers. Over two decades, Shipman used his medical authority to quietly take the lives of at least 215 patients, exploiting the very trust that defines the doctor-patient relationship.

How did he get away with it for so long? What finally exposed him? And how did the drug he used—morphine—become both a life-saving medicine and a silent weapon?

After diving into the shocking details of his crimes, we shift gears to Talk Nerdy and explore: 🔬 How morphine works and its medical uses 💊 The dangers of opioid overdose ⚠️ The role of pharmacists in preventing prescription abuse 🚔 The safeguards in place to track controlled substances

If you love true crime with a scientific twist, don’t miss this deep dive into medical murder and the drugs that made it possible.

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Sources:

• The Shipman Inquiry Reports – Official UK government reports on the investigation into Shipman’s crimes. Available at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20090808154959/http://www.the-shipman-inquiry.org.uk/
• "Prescription for Murder" by Brian Whittle & Jean Ritchie – A detailed book examining Shipman’s crimes, how he was caught, and the legal response.
• BBC News Archives – Various reports from the time of Shipman’s arrest, trial, and the public reaction to his crimes. Search: "Harold Shipman BBC"

Sources on Morphine & Opioids:

• U.S. National Library of Medicine – Morphine Drug Profile (MedlinePlus)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Opioid Basics (CDC Opioid Overview)
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Guidelines on the Use of Morphine for Pain Management (WHO Guidelines)
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – The Science of Opioids (NIDA Opioid Research)

Sources on Prescription Monitoring & DEA Regulations:

• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Controlled Substance Regulations (DEA Diversion Control)
• U.S. Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) – Overview & State-Specific Information (PDMP Clearinghouse)

• American Pharmacists Association (APhA) – Guidelines for Dispensing Controlled Substances (APhA Guidelines)

In this gripping episode of The Medicine Murders, we explore a case that shook the medical and legal world—the 1998 Wyoming murder-suicide committed by Donald Schell just 48 hours after starting the antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine).

Was this a tragic consequence of untreated mental illness, or did the medication itself play a role? We dive deep into: 🔬 How SSRIs work and their impact on brain chemistry ⚖️ The landmark lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline ⚠️ The controversies surrounding SSRIs, impulsivity, and aggression 💊 The risks, benefits, and hidden side effects of antidepressants

Join us as we unravel one of the most shocking cases in pharmaceutical history, where science, psychiatry, and the law collided.

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Sources:

1. Mechanism of Action of SSRIs:

• Mayo Clinic: Provides an overview of how SSRIs function by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available. mayoclinic.org

2. The Donald Schell Case:

• ABC News: Reports on the lawsuit where the family of Donald Schell sued the manufacturer of Paxil, alleging the drug was responsible for a murder-suicide. abcnews.go.com
• The Guardian: Discusses the case where Don Schell, after taking an antidepressant, killed his family and himself, leading to a significant legal verdict. theguardian.com

3. Side Effects and Controversies:

• MDPI: Discusses the adverse effects associated with SSRIs, including sexual dysfunction and emotional blunting. mdpi.com
• Psychiatric News: Highlights legal cases and debates surrounding SSRIs and their potential links to violent behavior. psychiatryonline.org

4. Additional Information:

• Wikipedia: Provides a comprehensive overview of SSRIs, including their development, uses, and controversies.

In this episode of The Medicine Murders, host Dr. Meredith Beavin unravels the chilling case of Kristin Rossum, the brilliant toxicologist whose knowledge of deadly substances became her downfall. What began as a love story between Kristin and Greg de Villers ended in betrayal, addiction, and murder. With a trail of red rose petals, a deadly dose of fentanyl, and a web of lies, this case shocked the nation. Plus, we dive into the science of Narcan—how it works, how to use it, and its life-saving impact in the fight against opioid overdoses.

Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and discussions. Sources and links are in the show notes!

Email- medicinemurderspod@gmail.com

• YouTube: The Medicine Murders
• X (formerly Twitter): @MedMurdersPod
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• Instagram-TheMedicineMurders

1. True Crime Resources:

   • Court transcripts and case files for Kristin Rossum's trial
   • News reports from The San Diego Union-Tribune and Los Angeles Times (for case background and trial coverage)
   • Forensic Files episode featuring Kristin Rossum (provides detailed reenactments and expert interviews)

2. Pharmaceutical and Medical Resources:

   • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Information on fentanyl and opioid use in the U.S. Website: nida.nih.gov
   • CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Data on opioid overdoses and naloxone access Website: cdc.gov
   • FDA (Food and Drug Administration) – Details on naloxone approvals and usage instructions Website: fda.gov

3. Books and Documentaries:

   • "American Overdose: The Opioid Tragedy in Three Acts" by Chris McGreal (context on the opioid epidemic)
   • "Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America" by Beth Macy (overview of fentanyl and opioid crisis)
   • The Pharmacist (Netflix documentary focusing on opioid overdoses and Narcan interventions)

4. Medical Research Articles:

   • New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) – Articles on the pharmacology of fentanyl and naloxone's clinical impact
   • The Lancet – Research on opioid dependency and emergency naloxone protocols

5. Public Health and Harm Reduction Organizations:

   • Harm Reduction Coalition – Guidance on naloxone distribution and overdose prevention programs
   • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Resources on opioid abuse and recovery options

6. Primary Case-Related Media:

   • "Kristin Rossum: American Beauty Murderer" on Snapped (for character exploration and timeline)