A man died after taking 'unlawful' herbal and prescription medicine he had bought online, an inquest has heard.
Steven James Mclaughlin, 38, was found "unresponsive" in bed at his home on Patterdale Road, Wavertree on July 20 of this year.
The inquest held on Friday, October 15 at Gerard Majella Courthouse heard the network manager had bought a number of herbal and prescription drugs online, despite not being prescribed them by a GP.
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Senior coroner Andre Rebello said Mr Mclaughlin used the drugs to "self-medicate" due to suffering from multiple conditions including chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and asthma.
The drugs bought online included the sleeping pill Zopiclone and a stimulant.
Coroner Rebello said: "[Mr Mclaughlin] died after purchasing unlawful prescription medication from the internet for the purpose of pain management."
He added: "Steven's death was caused by taking non-prescription medication acquired without medical advice."
Post-mortem toxicology reports stated that the concentration of stimulant taken in Mr Mclaughlin's blood was "very high and potentially fatal."
The concentration of Zopiclone in his blood was also "higher than therapeutic levels".
The coroner stated that the concentration of the drugs likely contributed to a "depression of the respiratory system" leading to his death.
Coroner Andre Rebello said: "[Selling prescription-only medication] is a criminal offence not because the law is a kill-joy, but because of the dangers of taking medication without it being controlled.
He continued: "Steven did not appreciate the dangers of taking [non-prescribed pain medication.]"
Coroner Rebello ruled the death as a case of misadventure.
Members of Mr Mclaughlin's family attended the inquest virtually.
