Acute intoxication following massive bupropion sniffing: A case report

Abstract

Bupropion intranasal misuse potential should be considered in the suspect of sympathomimetic syndrome for illicit drug or medication intoxication. A 31-year-old man was admitted for intranasal misuse of 30 crushed tablets of bupropion with adrenergic mild presentation. Lorazepam infusion was started with complete clinical resolution. Further forensic investigations detected a bupropion serum and urine concentration levels at 18 hours from intake of 1905.26 ng/mL and 2001.57 ng/mL, respectively. This case of intranasal bupropion misuse shared only some features with oral overdose, despite a plasma concentration five times higher than the lowest toxic level. Nasal bupropion snorting in chronic users could have lower toxicity compared to other snorted stimulants but symptomatic treatment remains the gold standard for preventing complications. Bupropion misuse might rapidly become a concerning issue and monitoring by healthcare professionals is needed.