Journal Published Online: 01 November 1998
Volume 43, Issue 6

Olanzapine-Related Fatality

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A 43-year-old male psychiatric outpatient died within hours of ingesting as much as 600 mg of olanzapine, a newer antipsychotic agent related to clozapine. Analysis of postmortem blood and urine by gas chromatography with nitrogen-selective detection yielded olanzapine concentrations of 1238 and 6987 μg/L, respectively, greatly in excess of levels expected following therapeutic administration of the drug. Based on the toxicology findings, the decedent's known history of suicide attempts, and the circumstances surrounding the death, this case was ruled a suicide by olanzapine overdosage.

Author Information

Stephens, BG
City and County of San Francisco, CA
Coleman, DE
Chemical Toxicology Institute, Foster City, CA
Baselt, RC
Chemical Toxicology Institute, Foster City, CA
Pages: 2
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS14397J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14397J