Paragraph five reads: "On Dec. 23, Castaneda was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and Lexapro, an antidepressant, when the Dodge Caravan she was driving went across the centerline on Oro Dam Boulevard and hit a Suzuki Samurai driven by Robert Alexander. Alexander, 59, was taken to Oroville Hospital, where he died."

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.

Judge orders woman held in alleged DUI death

Staff Reports
Posted: 01/05/2011 12:02:25 AM PST

OROVILLE A defense attorney asked a Butte County Superior Court judge Tuesday to release an Oroville woman from jail so she could keep her job and care for her daughter, though she is accused of drunken driving causing death.

Attorney Jesus Rodriguez said his client, Peggy Castaneda, 46, has no prior criminal history.

Deputy district attorney Niels Bringsjord said Castaneda would pose a risk to public safety if released.

Judge Clare Keithley denied the release request and left bail as set at $100,000.

On Dec. 23, Castaneda was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and Lexapro, an antidepressant, when the Dodge Caravan she was driving went across the centerline on Oro Dam Boulevard and hit a Suzuki Samurai driven by Robert Alexander. Alexander, 59, was taken to Oroville Hospital, where he died.

Neither Castaneda nor her passenger, Floyd Bryant, were injured.

She is charged with vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence while driving under the influence. Castaneda faces up to four years in prison. Keithley ordered Castaneda to return to court Jan. 18 to enter a plea.

Woman Driver Crashes Into Another Car: One Person Killed

Judge orders woman held in alleged DUI death