21-year old first class student dies after taking antidepressant to calm his exam nerves

A top university student died after taking an antidepressant drug banned in the UK to calm his nerves because he was preparing to write his final exam.

David Connell, 21, bought the antidepressant etizolam online to try and alleviate anxiety problems but unfortunately he died after ingesting too much of the drug, which is approved in Japan and India but banned for human use in most of Europe.

Mr Connell, who lived in Hull, East Yorks, had bought etizolam online from a Scottish company to help tackle anxiety issues, which he had kept secret from family and friends.

The final-year university student, who was on track to achieve a first-class honours degree from the University of Hull, body was found when his housemates broke down the door to his room after not seeing him for five days, an inquest heard.

Coroner Professor Paul Marks said the student underestimated the power of the drug, which is up to ten times more powerful than diazepam.

'I think this was an experiment to try and find alternate means other than alcohol to dispel his anxiety,' he added.

Mr Connell bought the drug for £43 (17 thousand Naira) a few days before his death after researching tips to help anxiety on the internet.

Professor Marks, who recorded a conclusion of misadventure at Hull Coroner's Court, said: 'The pressures of student life are such that people do become anxious and can't see beyond their finals, which is the culmination of their three-year university course.'

The drug, which is only used for research purposes in Britain, is meant to calm the respiratory system but can cause organ failure if too much is taken.

Humberside Police would urge anyone considering using or taking any unregulated medicines or research substances to please think again.

'The internet can be a very dangerous place when it comes to regulation, and I would hate to see someone else lose their life in a similar way to David.'

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