The investigation into the death of Greek singer Giorgos Mazonakis has taken a new turn with the discovery of alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax, in his system. Authorities are examining the substance alongside three other medications as they seek to determine the circumstances surrounding his death during a plasmapheresis procedure at a private clinic in Athens.
The case is now moving into a critical phase of forensic and judicial investigation. The two doctors accused in connection with the singer’s death are being held at Korydallos Prison, while investigators continue to examine the medications involved and the events leading up to the procedure.
Xanax adds a fourth substance to the investigation
Alprazolam, commonly sold under the brand name Xanax and used to treat anxiety disorders, is the latest substance to come under scrutiny. It joins propofol, midazolam and flumazenil, also known by the brand name Anexate, which were identified earlier in the investigation.
Forensic pathologist Dimitris Galanteris explained that midazolam is administered by injection for sedation, while alprazolam is taken in tablet form to treat anxiety disorders.
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Authorities are now seeking to establish how the Xanax finding relates to the actions taken at the clinic, the collection of Mazonakis’ medical history and the circumstances in the hours before the plasmapheresis procedure.
What the accused doctor said about Xanax
The 56-year-old doctor accused in the case has claimed that Mazonakis had the medication in his small bag, leaving open the possibility that he had taken it without her knowledge.
Asked whether she had seen the singer take Xanax, she said: “While we were together, he did not take anything. I can tell you that with certainty.”
Investigators are examining this account alongside the other evidence as they seek to establish what medications the singer received or may have taken before the procedure.
Why the combination of drugs raises concerns
Anesthesiologist Dimitris Manikis has warned about the risks associated with substances such as midazolam and propofol, both of which can cause apnea, or the temporary cessation of breathing.
While an antidote is available for midazolam, propofol has no antidote. If apnea occurs, the critical intervention is immediate respiratory support using specialized equipment, Manikis explained.
He stressed that administering such substances outside a hospital setting or without an anesthesiologist present is extremely dangerous.
Propofol is intended for use in hospitals or specialized clinics because its safe administration requires a detailed medical history, continuous monitoring with medical equipment, appropriate resuscitation equipment and the assistance of specialized nursing staff.
The use of these medications by doctors without the necessary specialization in private medical offices has been characterized as an extremely dangerous practice.