An Atypical Case of Rhabdomyolysis Following an Atypical Antidepressant Overdose

Background: Bupropion, an atypical antidepressant and smoking cessation aid, is known for its potential to cause seizures, cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity in overdose scenarios. However, overdoses may present variably, and muscular and renal complications, such as rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury (AKI), can emerge in unexpected ways. Previous reports have shown that severe overdoses can lead to a spectrum of complications, but the precise mechanisms linking bupropion overdose with rhabdomyolysis remain poorly understood. Clinical presentation: This paper presents the management of a severe rhabdomyolysis case following deliberate ingestion of 4 g of immediate-release bupropion. The report highlights the unexpected presentation of bupropion overdose, including a lack of typical neurotoxic or muscular symptoms, and the subsequent involvement of multiple factors in the decision to initiate early renal replacement therapy, despite the absence of overt acute kidney injury (AKI). Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of individualized patient assessment and the challenges of managing rare and complex drug overdoses. Early intervention with renal replacement therapy, despite the absence of acute kidney injury, may be justified in cases of significant rhabdomyolysis and potential renal complications. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion for complications like rhabdomyolysis in overdose scenarios and consider early renal support in patients at risk of renal failure, even in the absence of overt kidney injury. The findings also point to the need for a more nuanced approach to diagnosing and treating bupropion overdose in critically ill patients.