Bupropion overdose: insights on the role of upper gastrointestinal decontamination endoscopy

INTRODUCTION: Although bupropion is known to be associated with pharmacobezoar formation, it remains understudied in this context. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has emerged as a potential adjunctive decontamination technique for managing acute overdoses associated with pharmacobezoar formation. We aim to evaluate its role in acute bupropion overdoses. METHODS: model was used to assess the propensity of bupropion to form pharmacobezoars. RESULTS: experiment showed early pharmacobezoar formation within four hours of incubation, persisting for up to 72 hours. DISCUSSION: Acute bupropion overdoses, alone or with co-ingestants, can cause gastric pharmacobezoars and retained tablets/residues despite standard decontamination. Upper gastrointestinal decontamination endoscopy is effective early post-ingestion and may complement or replace conventional methods. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric pharmacobezoars and tablet residues are frequently observed in bupropion overdoses, particularly with ingestions of ≥30 tablets, making these patients potential candidates for early endoscopic removal.