Fatal bupropion overdose.
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.


METHODS
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.
Harris
C R
CR
Emergency Medicine Department, Ramsey Medical Center, St. Paul, MN 55101-2595, USA. harri037@maroon.tc.umn.edu
Gualtieri
J
J
Stark
G
G
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000506:poisoning*; D016642:Bupropion / Q000506:poisoning*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D062787:Drug Overdose; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced; D013405:Suicide
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D016642:Bupropion; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine