Venlafaxine poisoning complicated by a late rise in creatine kinase: Two case reports

Abstract

Newer anti-depressants are often considered to be safer than more, established anti-depressants. However, clinical experience of the effects of these agents in overdose is limited. Here, we present two cases of venlafaxine overdose that were complicated by a delayed rise in plasma creatine kinase. Although the clinical consequences were not serious, physicians should be alerted to the possibility of delayed rhabdomyolysis or serotonin syndrome in patients who have taken venlafaxine in overdose.