Comparison of analytical methods in the determination of two venlafaxine fatalities.

Author(s): Long C, Crifasi J, Maginn D, Graham M, Teas S

Affiliation(s): Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Berkeley, Missouri 63134, USA.

Publication date & source: 1997-03, J Anal Toxicol., 21(2):166-9.

Publication type: Comparative Study

Two venlafaxine (Effexor)-related deaths are reported with comparison of results from the analysis of specimens using capillary gas chromatography with a nitrogen-phosphorous detector (GC-NPD) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a UV-vis detector. Blood concentrations in Case 1 were 7.27 micrograms/mL venlafaxine and 5.03 micrograms/mL O-desmethylvenlafaxine, and Case 2 had 89.67 micrograms/mL venlafaxine with 3.44 micrograms/mL of the desmethyl metabolite. A comparison of analytical methods and specimen concentration is presented.