Paragraph four reads: "Mercurio eventually came down the steps after some coaxing and explained that she had injected herself with a homemade mixture that included an anti-anxiety medication, an anti-depressant, a sleep aid and vodka, the complaint states."
SSRI Stories Note: The Physicians Desk Reference states that antidepressants can cause a craving for alcohol and can cause alcohol abuse. Also, the liver cannot metabolize the antidepressant and the alcohol simultaneously, thus leading to higher levels of both alcohol and the antidepressant in the human body.
A 63-year-old woman who allegedly bought 2 gallons of gasoline and set fire to her South St. Paul triplex last week has been charged with first-degree arson, and efforts are under way to have her committed to a psychiatric facility.
Authorities said Susan Mercurio was suicidal and facing eviction when, at 9:30 a.m. May 12, she poured gasoline throughout her third-floor apartment and on the stairs leading to it. Firefighters also found a bag of gasoline-soaked rags on the floor in front of the main-level apartment.
They were able to contain the blaze to Mercurio's apartment, according to charges filed by the Dakota County attorney's office. South St. Paul police officers said they found Mercurio on the stairs with a syringe in hand, her hair singed and soot on her arms.
Mercurio eventually came down the steps after some coaxing and explained that she had injected herself with a homemade mixture that included an anti-anxiety medication, an anti-depressant, a sleep aid and vodka, the complaint states.
No one else was injured in the fire, which was reported by a downstairs neighbor who smelled gasoline.
Mercurio was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where she remained until Friday. She was immediately booked into the Dakota County Jail in Hastings and made her first court appearance in Dakota County District Court.
"She told police she was unhappy about living in this building for several reasons, including noise problems," according to a statement