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[Acute lethal poisoning with venlafaxine]
Dorota Szpak1, Krzysztof Ciszowski, Tomasz Gawlikowski
1Klinika Toksykologii i Chorób Srodowiskowych, Katedra Toksykologii i Chorób Srodowiskowych UJCM, Kraków.
Przeglad Lekarski
|March 11, 2011
Summary
This case report details a fatal outcome from acute venlafaxine poisoning. The patient experienced seizures, rhabdomyolysis, and cardiac arrest following an overdose of venlafaxine (Symfaxin ER).
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Venlafaxine, an antidepressant, is commonly prescribed for depression.
- Suicidal overdose of venlafaxine can lead to severe toxic effects.
- Understanding the clinical manifestations of venlafaxine poisoning is crucial for prompt management.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old female with depression ingested 56 venlafaxine (Symfaxin ER) pills in a suicide attempt.
- Initial symptoms included seizures, progressing to rhabdomyolysis, hypotension, and acute renal failure.
- Urine toxicology confirmed venlafaxine presence.
Findings:
- The poisoning resulted in severe ventricular tachyarrhythmia, leading to cardiac arrest.
- Despite intensive supportive care, the patient experienced a fatal outcome.
- This case highlights the potential lethality of acute venlafaxine overdose.
Implications:
- Venlafaxine overdose requires vigilant monitoring for multi-organ system complications.
- Early recognition and aggressive supportive treatment are critical in managing severe venlafaxine toxicity.
- This case underscores the importance of considering venlafaxine toxicity in patients presenting with unexplained seizures and metabolic derangements.
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