Before Arlington Heights murder, judge gave suspect one last chance

Shortly after leaving jail, teen bound, beat and stabbed father, police say

Nellessen had been in and out of Fecarotta’s courtroom since 2009, when he appeared on a residential burglary charge. He could have been sentenced to 4 to 15 years for the class 1 felony, but Fecarotta chose Cook County boot camp, a program for nonviolent offenders.

But according to court documents, Nellessen was ineligible because he was taking Ativan and Zoloft. He was being treated for social anxiety disorder and was prescribed those medicines, records show. Back in Fecarotta’s courtroom, Fecarotta sentenced him to two years’ drug probation.

via Before Arlington Heights murder, judge gave suspect one last chance – Chicago Tribune.

Could these anxiety drugs have anything to do with it?

What are the possible side effects of lorazepam (Ativan)?

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;
• hallucinations; or
• feeling light-headed, fainting.

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Side Effects of Zoloft – for the Consumer

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Zoloft:

Anxiety; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Zoloft:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased bladder control; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; exaggerated reflexes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; memory loss; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent headache; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual weakness; vision changes; worsening of depression.

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