Severe bupropion intoxication successfully treated with resin adsorber haemoperfusion

Abstract Bupropion is used as smoking cessation drug and antidepressant. Drug overdose has multi‐system involvement including neurotoxicity and cardiovascular collapse. Use of haemoperfusion in bupropion toxicity is generally not useful, however in life‐threatening condition it could be a life saver. We reported a case of 30s male with bupropion overdose who ingested 29 tablets of 300‐mg extended‐release bupropion. The patient had status epilepticus with prolonged QTc interval. He remained unconscious with abnormal jerky movements despite multiple high dose antiepileptic drugs. A 4‐h session of resin adsorber haemoperfusion was done with rapid improvement of consciousness within 24 h and seizure control confirmed by electroencephalogram. In severe cases with early presentation, haemoperfusion may be useful to prevent further toxicity.