Pregnant mum-of-three who drank two litres of Coca-Cola and five energy drinks EVERY DAY is found dead in her bed after becoming addicted to caffeine
- Amy Thorpe, 34, died at her home in December, 2018 after having epileptic fit
- She was drinking two litres of Coke and up to one litre of energy drinks each day
- Ms Thorpe was 15 weeks pregnant at the time of her death and a heavy smoker
- A coroner's report found her heavy caffeine use may have contributed to death
A pregnant mother-of-three who died after suffering an epileptic seizure had been guzzling two litres of Coca-Cola and up to one litre of energy drinks a day.
Amy Louise Thorpe, 34, was 15 weeks pregnant when she died at her home in Invercargill, New Zealand on December 4, 2018.
Ms Thorpe's seizures had increased to once a week and she was also a heavy smoker, a coroner's report found.
Her partner said she was 'addicted' to drinking Coke and had a history of epilepsy, depression and anxiety.
Amy Louise Thorpe (was 15 weeks pregnant when she died at her home in Invercargill, New Zealand on December 4, 2018
In a coroner's report, it was found Ms Thorpe had consumed around 80g of tobacco a week, Stuff reported.
Another friend told police Ms Thorpe 'had more energy drinks a day than people have coffee' and drank litres of V and Mother drinks.
Ms Thorpe was referred to neurologist Graeme Hammond-Tooke in November 2018 due to her seizures increasing.
He advised she change her epilepsy medication or go to hospital to have EEG monitoring,' The New Zealand Herald reported.
But Ms Thorpe was reluctant to do so and was later found dead on her bed hanging over the bedside table.
The mother-of-three (pictured) had a history of epilepsy and depression as well as being a heavy smoker
Dr Hammond-Tooke said it was possible Ms Thorpe's caffeine addiction contributed to her death.
He said some studies showed caffeine increased seizure susceptibility but in other cases it protected against seizures.
Caffeine is also found to reduce the effects of some drugs.
'In the case of Ms Thorpe, I think it is possible that excessive caffeine contributed to poor seizure control,' he said.
'While, modest intake of caffeine contained in drinks is not likely to affect seizure control, large amounts probably do increase seizures, and may have other adverse effects on health'.
Coroner Robinson said making Ms Thorpe's case public could help make people with epilepsy aware of the potential risks of drinking excessive amounts of caffeine.
Her partner said she was 'addicted' to drinking Coke and had a history of epilepsy, depression and anxiety
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