Seizures, Ventricular Tachycardia, and Rhabdomyolysis as a Result of Ingestion of Venlafaxine and Lamotrigine

Few cases of overdoses have been described involving venlafaxine, lamotrigine, or a combination of the two agents. We describe a combined venlafaxine and lamotrigine ingestion in a patient presenting with a seizure, ventricular tachycardia, and rhabdomyolysis. We conclude that patients with overdoses that involve venlafaxine can exhibit severe cardiac effects in addition to seizures, especially if venlafaxine is combined with other agents. [Peano C, Leikin JB, Hanashiro PK: Seizures, ventricular tachycardia, and rhabdomyolysis as a result of ingestion of venlafaxine and lamotrigine. November Ann Emerg Med 1997;30:704-708.]