Report of a fluoxetine fatality

Abstract

Several fatalities due to fluoxetlne combined with other drugs such as ethyl alcohol have been reported. We now report an apparent suicide In which fluoxetlne was the only causative agent. Because this drug is widely described as having a wide safety margin, It is Important to note concentrations In blood associated with overdose fatalities. The findings by GC/NPD and GC/MS in blood were as follows: fiuoxettne 6, 000 ng and demethylated metabollte 5, 000 ng/mL. Parent compound and metsbolite were 13, 000 ng/mL each In bile. Details of the analytical method and data from 2, 100 National Medical Services cases are also presented. © 1990 Oxford University Press.