title: A fatal case of venlafaxine overdose.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Based on its primary action of serotonin reuptake inhibition, venlafaxine overdose would be expected to result in serotonergic effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 40 year old male ingested venlafaxine without co-ingestants in a suicide attempt. The patient developed refractory ventricular fibrillation and expired approximately 9 hours post-ingestion. ECG monitoring revealed significant QRS and QTC interval prolongation prior to his demise.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A literature review of venlafaxine overdose cases and investigation into its mechanism of action was conducted. The potential for sodium channel blockade and implications for therapy are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Bosse
authors.forename: Henry A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Spiller
authors.forename: Aaron M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Collins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000506:poisoning*; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride