Podcast # 463: Buproprion Overdose

Author: Erik Verzemnieks, MD

Educational Pearls:

• Buproprion is used as an antidepressant and for smoking cessation
• Severe buproprion overdoses can cause seizures and lead to cardiac dysrhythmias
• Benzodiazepines are treatment of choice for seizures
• Bicarbonate and Interlipid are also possible treatment options with less evidence

References

Stall N, Godwin J, Juurlink D. Bupropion abuse and overdose. CMAJ. 2014 Sep 16;186(13):1015. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.131534. Epub 2014 Apr 28. PubMed PMID: 24778361; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4162783.

Balit CR, Lynch CN, Isbister GK. Bupropion poisoning: a case series. Med J Aust. 2003 Jan 20;178(2):61-3. PubMed PMID: 12526723.

Bruccoleri RE, Burns MM. A Literature Review of the Use of Sodium Bicarbonate for the Treatment of QRS Widening. J Med Toxicol. 2016 Mar;12(1):121-9. doi: 10.1007/s13181-015-0483-y. Review. PubMed PMID: 26159649; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4781799.