Functional Pharmacobezoar and Bowel Ischemia Requiring Hemicolectomy Complicating Extended-Release Carbamazepine-Venlafaxine Overdose

Key Points

• To analyze the complications arising from an overdose of extended-release carbamazepine and venlafaxine, particularly when pill fragments remain in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Described a case of overdose with retained pill fragments leading to complications.
• Assessment of gastrointestinal issues and potential interventions were conducted.
• Surgical consultation was initiated to evaluate treatment options.
• Retained pill fragments led to prolonged drug toxicity.
• Increased rebounding drug concentration necessitated surgical intervention.
• Bowel ischemia required hemicolectomy as an emergency response.