Amoxapine fatalities: three case studies

Forensic Sci Int. 1984 Sep;26(1):33-8. doi: 10.1016/0379-0738(84)90209-3.

Abstract

Amoxapine (Asendin), a recently introduced dibenzoxazepine, has been effective in clinical studies for the treatment of various types of depression. Three amoxapine-related deaths are reported. Quantitation of amoxapine was carried out by gas chromatography using 3% OV-17 column. Blood amoxapine concentrations were 11.5 mg/l, 2.8 mg/l, and 0.89 mg/l. The concentrations are many-fold higher than the reported therapeutic serum concentrations of 0.21 mg/l. These cases illustrate the potential toxicity and lethality of amoxapine overdose and the need for caution in prescribing a large amount of amoxapine to patients with suicidal tendencies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amoxapine / blood
  • Amoxapine / metabolism
  • Amoxapine / poisoning*
  • Chromatography, Gas
  • Dibenzoxazepines / poisoning*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Suicide*

Substances

  • Dibenzoxazepines
  • Amoxapine