JIST

Abstract

Acute poisoning is a widespread emergency that mandates early management decisions for optimal outcomes. Venlafaxine is an antidepressant which inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and to an extent dopamine. A 32-year-old female ingested 750 mg of Venlafaxine and was rushed to the hospital within half an hour of ingestion. She experienced abdominal discomfort and uneasiness. On arrival, she had sinus tachycardia and elevated systolic blood pressure. The patient was stabilized and decontaminated with gastric lavage within half an hour of her arrival. She was admitted and managed in the intensive care unit and was discharged after an uneventful stay. This case demonstrates the timely use of gastric decontamination and its relevance in preventing toxicity.