Dextromethorphan Bupropion Combination Tablet Suicide Attempt by Overdose: A Case Report
Daniel Greer, Justina Girgis, John Kashani, Jennifer Atherton
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports September 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.70060 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | An adult woman with a history of treatment-resistant depression who overdosed on dextromethorphan-bupropion in a suicide attempt |
| Interventions | Dextromethorphan-bupropion paroxetine quetiapine |
| Dose | dextromethorphan-bupropion 45-105 mg (approximately 30 tablets in overdose); paroxetine 40 mg daily; quetiapine 200 mg at night |
| Key findings | The authors describe a patient who took approximately 30 tablets of dextromethorphan-bupropion 45-105 mg in a suicide attempt and required intubation, gastrointestinal decontamination, and antidepressant changes; she reported no suicidality by discharge and was discharged on paroxetine 40 mg daily and quetiapine 200 mg at night. The authors advise caution and vigilance when prescribing these medications together, particularly in populations at risk of overdose. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Dextromethorphan and bupropion in combination are approved to treat major depressive disorders in adults. This case report describes a patient with a history of treatment‐resistant depression who presented to the emergency department after overdosing on approximately 30 tablets of dextromethorphan‐bupropion 45–105 mg in a suicide attempt. The patient required intubation, gastrointestinal decontamination, and changes in her antidepressant medications. The patient reported no suicidality by the end of her hospitalization, and she was discharged on paroxetine 40 mg daily and quetiapine 200 mg at night. Clinicians should be cautious and vigilant when prescribing or considering these medications together, particularly in populations at risk of overdose.
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- An autopsy case of a young man with a single overdose of dextromethorphan. Legal medicine (Tokyo, Japan) September 1, 2024
- Dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity) for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience July 17, 2023
- Five deaths resulting from abuse of dextromethorphan sold over the internet. Journal of Analytical Toxicology March 1, 2009