ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

A Study Involving Venlafaxine Overdoses: Comparison of Fatal and Therapeutic Concentrations in Postmortem Specimens
DeSilva, D
MRC.Path, FRC.Path, Pathologist, Mildura Base Hospital, Barratt & Smith Pathology, Victoria

Batziris, HP
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Victoria

McIntyre, IM

Hoeven, P van der
PRCPC, FRCPA, Pathologist, Gippsland Pathology Service, Victoria

Jaffe, PD
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Victoria

(Received 13 April 1998; accepted 11 May 1998)

Abstract

The distribution and redistribution of venlafaxine were investigated in two overdoses and several cases involving the therapeutic use of venlafaxine. Blood, liver, bile vitreous humor, urine and gastric contents were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Blood concentrations of venlafaxine in the two overdose cases were 53 mg/L and 78 mg/L. Comparison of venlafaxine concentrations in blood samples taken at different times after death revealed increases in concentrations over time, suggesting the possible postmortem redistribution of venlafaxine.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic toxicology, venlafaxine, drug distribution, drug redistribution, overdose, postmortem

Paper ID: JFS14434J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14434J
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