[Circulatory failure after bupropion overdose].

A case of massive overdose of sustained release bupropion tablets is described. The patient presented with GCS 3, tachycardic and in vasoplegic shock. ECHO and EKG were initially normal.

Symptoms and signs in interpreting gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) intoxication - an explorative study.

Background: Acute poisoning with gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) has been a serious medical and social problem in different parts of the world including Sweden. GHB is a drug of abuse which acts primarily as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. GHB has serious toxicity, although many young users do not recognise GHB as a dangerous drug.

Use of intravenous lipid emulsion in the resuscitation of a patient with cardiovascular collapse after a severe overdose of quetiapine.

Background: Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is increasingly being used in the treatment of psychotic disorders and depression. An overdose of quetiapine is associated with hypotension, sinus tachycardia, and sedation. The clinical effects of its overdose are often mild to moderate, but a severe overdose can cause cardiovascular collapse and death.

Parallel haemodialysis and surgery saves a life after massive overdose of potassium pills.

Severe poisoning with potassium pills is rare but patients may present with serious cardiovascular symptoms requiring immediate and effective treatment. A 30-year-old healthy woman presented to the emergency department after ingestion of 300 slow-release pills of potassium-chloride with serum potassium of 9.5 mmol/l, and poor cardiovascular function.

The clinical toxicology of γ-hydroxybutyrate, γ-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol.

Introduction: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD), are drugs of abuse which act primarily as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. In recent years, the rising recreational use of these drugs has led to an increasing burden upon health care providers. Understanding their toxicity is therefore essential for the successful management of intoxicated patients.

Severe overdose of quetiapine treated successfully with extracorporeal life support.

Background: Quetiapine is a second-generation antipsychotic drug, used mainly in the treatment of psychotic disorders. Overdose is associated with sedation, tachycardia and a prolonged QT-interval on the ECG. Cardiovascular symptoms are uncommon but in severe cases profound cardiovascular depression may occur.

A case of life-threatening rectal administration of moist snuff.

Case Report: We report a case of self-administration of 75 sachets of moist snuff rectally in a previously healthy, 42-year-old man. He presented with symptoms of nausea, discomfort, and dizziness. He had dry and warm skin, a pulse rate of 53 bpm, a mean arterial blood pressure of 135 mmHg and fluctuations in consciousness.

High mortality rates among GHB abusers in Western Sweden.

Background: GHB is a drug of abuse and acute poisonings have been an increasing medical problem over the last decade in Sweden.

Objectives: To document all cases of GHB poisonings in Gothenburg during 1995-2004 and to record drug-related deaths to compare the toxicity of GHB with other illicit drugs, such as heroin and amphetamine.

Methods: The number of GHB-poisoned patients treated at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital has been recorded with the help of an in-house database.

[GHB, GBL and butanediol poisonings--a serious problem in Western Sweden].

Acute poisoning with GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) has been an increasing medical and social problem during the last decade in Sweden, especially on the west coast. The number of poisonings decreased in the beginning of this millennium but has again increased during the last years. At the same time the number of seizures by the police has increased similarly as well as the number of drug-related deaths.