Fatal bupropion overdose with post mortem blood concentrations

Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2008;4(1):47-50. doi: 10.1007/s12024-007-0030-5. Epub 2007 Aug 22.

Abstract

We report five cases of fatal bupropion overdose with post mortem bupropion concentrations ranging from 3.1 to >20 mg/L. Four patients had ingested a sustained-release formulation of bupropion and had evidence of pill "bodies" in their stomach with significantly elevated blood bupropion concentrations. The pills found in these patients may represent the residual matrix/shell with significant portions of the actual bupropion released and absorbed by the patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / blood*
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / poisoning*
  • Bupropion / blood*
  • Bupropion / poisoning*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Drug Overdose
  • Female
  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Gastrointestinal Contents
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Suicide
  • Tablets
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Tablets
  • Bupropion