Monoamine oxidase inhibitor overdose

Abstract

Described is the clinical course of a 26-year-old woman who died following an overdose of the MAO inhibitor phenelzine. Signs and symptoms of toxicity were delayed in onset. Initial findings of excessive neuromuscular activity were followed by severe hyperthermia, coma, cardiovascular collapse, acute renal failure, hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. A review of the literature suggests that these features are not unusual following MAO inhibitor overdosage. The pathophysiology and management of MAO inhibitor poisoning are discussed.