Following bupropion overdose, what are clinical and electrocardiographic risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events defined as presence of ventricular arrhythmias, vasopressor use, myocardial injury, and/or cardiac arrest?
In a recent retrospective analysis of data from the NPDA, risk factors associated with adverse cardiovascular events (defined as presence of ventricular arrhythmias, vasopressor use, myocardial injury, and/or cardiac arrest) included increased age, seizures (single and complicated), and QRS widening. Each of these risk factors were independently associated to adverse cardiovascular events upon exposure to bupropion. Of note, there were no adverse cardiovascular events reported following unintentional bupropion overdoses.
Simpson M, Troger A, Feng C, Whitledge JD, Monuteaux M, Burns MM. Clinical and electrocardiographic factors associated with adverse cardiovascular events in bupropion exposures [published online ahead of print, 2023 Jul 7]. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2023;1-7.
Submitted by Kristin Reinaker, PharmD, DABAT on behalf of Sarah Thomas, PharmD candidate 2024