Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2021 | Suicide | Case report
Suicidal attempt with caffeine overdose treated with dexmedetomidine: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2021
Login to get accessAbstract
Background
Caffeine is a widely used dietary stimulant, and cases of caffeine overdoses, sometimes leading to death, are increasing. We encountered a case of caffeine intoxication resolved with administration of the sedative agent dexmedetomidine.
Case presentation
We administered dexmedetomidine for sedation and to suppress sympathetic nerve stimulation in the case of an 18-year-old Japanese male who ingested a massive dose of caffeine with the intention of committing suicide. The patient was in an excited state and had hypertension, sinus tachycardia, and hypokalemia with prominent QT prolongation. After dexmedetomidine administration, the patient’s mental state, hemodynamics, and electrolyte levels were improved immediately. He was discharged without any sequelae 3 days later.
Conclusion
Cases of acute caffeine intoxication with agitation, sympathetic overactivity and adverse cardiac events would benefit with dexmedetomidine treatment.