Intentional Ingestion and Multidisciplinary Management in a Fatal Polypharmacy Overdose
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: ABSTRACT: This case report aims to disclose intentional overdosing of drugs that impact the cardiovascular and central nervous systems which have very serious and life-threatening effects on the body. In the present case study, a 22-year-old male medical student with a known history of depression and recurrent episodes of suicide who was on regular psychiatric medications purposefully consumed an unknown quantity of clonazepam, prazosin, ivabradine, and propranolol in an attempt of suicide in a powdered form. He was brought to the emergency department by his parents with signs of severe bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory failure; his heart rate remained low despite prompt intervention by medications to maintain heart rate, and temporary installation of a pacemaker was done to maintain heart rate. Lipid emulsion therapy, also known as intralipid, was started to maintain blood pressure despite using medications. The patient was also put on vasopressin assistance to prevent further damage to vital organs and death. This case report highlights the importance of early detection, vigorous cardiovascular stabilization, prompt intervention, and comprehensive psychological management in preventing recurrence in such cases of fatal polypharmacy cases.
Source: Annals of African Medicine
Authors: Swapnil Patil, Shivraj Prashant Patil
Language: English
Subfield: Emergency Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4414081482