Bupropion overdose: a potential problem with the new 'miracle' anti-smoking drug.
Bupropion (Zyban) has recently been launched in the UK as an aid to smoking cessation. As a result of the considerable publicity, there has been unprecedented demand for this new drug in primary care. Within a few weeks of its launch, four patients presented to our A&E department having taken bupropion as an intentional overdose. Three recovered with simple supportive measures; one one was critically ill and required admission to the intensive care unit. There are several case reports on bupropion overdose in the US but none so far in the UK.
Bhattacharjee
C
C
A&E Department, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford BD5 8AA, W Yorkshire, UK.
Smith
M
M
Todd
F
F
Gillespie
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000506:poisoning*; D016642:Bupropion / Q000506:poisoning*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000188:drug therapy; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods; D006113:United Kingdom
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D016642:Bupropion; D004298:Dopamine; D004837:Epinephrine