C R Harris1, J Gualtieri, G Stark. 1. Emergency Medicine Department, Ramsey Medical Center, St. Paul, MN 55101-2595, USA. harri037@maroon.tc.umn.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bupropion is a unique monocyclic antidepressant that has been known to cause seizures in high therapeutic doses and in acute overdoses. Death due to ingestion, however, is a rare occurrence. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 26-year-old man who ingested 23 g bupropion, developed seizures and hypoxia, and presented in cardiac arrest. The patient was resuscitated in the emergency department, but died 4 d after supportive intensive care. CONCLUSIONS: Bupropion overdose may lead to recurrent seizures, hypoxia and death. Aggressive management of severe bupropion overdose is recommended.
BACKGROUND:Bupropion is a unique monocyclic antidepressant that has been known to cause seizures in high therapeutic doses and in acute overdoses. Death due to ingestion, however, is a rare occurrence. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 26-year-old man who ingested 23 g bupropion, developed seizures and hypoxia, and presented in cardiac arrest. The patient was resuscitated in the emergency department, but died 4 d after supportive intensive care. CONCLUSIONS:Bupropionoverdose may lead to recurrent seizures, hypoxia and death. Aggressive management of severe bupropionoverdose is recommended.