Man says cold medicine caused him to stab his wife to death in his sleep
09/08/2017 / By Lance D Johanson
A North Carolina man is positive that an over-the-counter cold medication drove him to stab his wife to death while he was asleep. Twenty-eight-year old Matthew Phelps admitted to 911 operators in Raleigh that he overdosed on cold medicine, fell into a deep sleep, and accidentally killed his wife next to him in bed.
“I think I killed my…,” a distressed Phelps told the operator.
“I had a dream and then I turned on the lights and she’s dead on the floor … I have blood all over me and there’s a bloody knife on the bed. I think I did it. I can’t believe this.” By the end of the 911 call, a sobbing and stricken Phelps said his wife didn’t deserve what had happened.
This isn’t the first time this drug has been the center of controversy. An investigation presented by John Stossel found that teenagers have been using this same chemical in the cold medicine to get high. While not physically addictive, dextromethorphan, or DXM, does cause serious issues in how the user thinks.
Despite being in an altered state of mind, Phelps had no choice but to rightfully own up to the murder. Shortly after making the emergency call, he was charged with the murder of his wife, Lauren Ashley-Nicole Phelps, 29. Police are holding Phelps without bail and believe the murder was motivated by more than just a random act during the man’s sleep.
Phelps admitted to misusing the drug. He said he uses the drug to help him fall asleep. The drug’s name is Coricidin, an OTC chemical invented to suppress a cough while promising not to raise blood pressure. Easy access to the drug has led many people to seek a high from it or to overdose on it to help with sleep. The consequences of these actions on the brain’s chemistry are unknown, but as more testimonies come forth, it’s obvious this drug is easy to abuse and is dangerous nonetheless.
It’s hard to tell what motivations were behind the murder. Still, there’s the real possibility that the man’s abuse and misuse of the cough suppressant drug played a role, triggering him to act out violently during a crucial stage of his sleep cycle. Regardless, he will be solely responsible for murdering his wife and rightfully so. For those who struggle with sleep or want to soothe a cough in a more friendly manner, try these natural solutions.
Safe herbal teas to help with sleep issues
Nutrient-rich chamomile flowers possess sedative properties and help calm the nervous system by naturally allowing apigenin to bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain.
When consumed before bed, valerian root extract slows down the central nervous system and improves sleep quality, as evidenced by numerous personal observations and in clinical trials.
The herbal components of passion flower help relieve restlessness, irritability, and difficulty in falling asleep.
Tart cherry juice contains melatonin, a natural hormone that helps lower the body’s temperature to induce sleep.
Safe ways to soothe a cough
Elderberries flood the body with anti-infectious properties that help keep respiratory issues at bay, including a sore throat, asthma, cough, and bronchitis. The bioflavonoid-rich elderberries exhibit expectorant properties that soothe inflammation and eliminate phlegm.
Eucalyptus oil is a decongestant when applied on the nose and chest, assisting with cough and removal of bad bacteria.
Mullein leaf contains anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic properties that soothe the mucous membranes and relieve respiratory issues.
For more information on natural remedies, visit Herbs.News.
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Tagged Under:
chamomile, chemical imbalance, cold medicine, drug overdose, mental health, pharmaceuticals, side effects, valerian, violent impulses
This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author
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