Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
Two fatal cases of venlafaxine poisoning
A T Parsons1, R M Anthony, J E Meeker
1Laboratory of Forensic Services, Sacramento, California 95820, USA.
Abstract:
Venlafaxine is a phenethylamine derivative that has recently been approved for use in the treatment of depression. It is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, or other available antidepressant agents. Anticholinergic, hypotensive, hypertensive, and cardiotoxic side effects are rare. Two fatal cases encountered at separate laboratories are discussed, both involve high levels of venlafaxine. Concentrations of the drug in peripheral blood, heart blood, urine, vitreous humor, and liver are reported. Descriptions of extraction and gas chromatographic methods for confirmation and quantitation are included.
Related Concept Videos
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Dependence of Elimination Half-Life and Dose Clearance
A study on guinea pigs examined the...
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

