Venlafaxine Induced Acute Myocardial Infarction With Normal Coronary Arteries

Abstract

We describe the case of a 51-year-old female with no risk factors for coronary artery disease who had an episode of a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in association with an overdose of Venlafaxine. Cardiac catheterization revealed normal coronary arteries. Because no other obvious exacerbating factors for ischemia were observed, we assume that this drug may have contributed to the development of an acute ischemic event because of its pharmacologic properties.

Occurrence of Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy in Association with Ingestion of Serotonin/Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors

“…There are reports in the literature of myocardial infarction [23], tachycardia [24], worsening heart failure [25] and cardiovascular-related death [26], whilst receiving venlafaxine or duloxetine, and particular warnings have been appended to product information. It may be appropriate to re-examine the nature of the cardiac event profile associated with these agents in order to facilitate both appropriate diagnosis and treatment in the future.…”

The Effect of Sibutramine, a Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor, on Platelets and Fibrin Networks of Male Sprague-Dawley Rats: A Descriptive Study

“…Additionally, various case reports have been published reporting ischemic events, including infarction [17,18]. Adrenergic receptors expressed on the surface of platelets increase platelet activation [20], and in a study conducted by Hallbäck et al [34], results showed that SNRIs, such as venlafaxine, increased adhesion by possibly acting on these receptors, perhaps providing an explanation for the alterations in platelet morphology as observed in this study.…”

“…In contrast, Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) with a similar mechanism of action as sibutramine, generally are not associated with increased bleeding risks. However, ischemic events after treatment with these drugs have been reported, indicating an increased cardiovascular disease and stroke risk in this patient population [17,18]. Previous studies involving sibutramine, have shown that extracellular NE concentrations are increased and this effect is gradual and sustained.…”

Stress (Takotsubo) Cardiomyopathy in Poisoned Patients

“…Many of the substances previously reported in the literature may result in norepinephrine storm by their pharmacological effects: adrenergic amines reuptake inhibitors known as the serotonin syndrome. Additional myocardial infarctions with normal coronary arteries were encountered [25,26]. Other pesticides (organophosphorus) have been showed to induce cardiac impairment with an association between acetylcholine and an endogenous catecholamine rise [27].…”