Isolated fluvoxamine poisoning presenting with hypertonia and seizures: a case report

Pharmacological management of depressed patients has often relied upon the use of agents that are toxic when taken in large quantities. The recent introduction of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has represented a major advance in the management of depression. While a 'serotonin syndrome' may develop if these drugs are taken in association with other agents, these drugs are believed to have minimal toxicity when taken as an isolated overdose. A case of fluvoxamine poisoning presenting with hypertonicy and seizures is described, highlighting the fact that the SSRI's may not be harmless when taken in isolation, particularly when taken in large amounts.