Fulminant hepatic failure induced by venlafaxine and trazodone therapy: a case report

Transplant Proc. 2009 Oct;41(8):3435-6. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.09.022.

Abstract

Although acute hepatitis may be a side effect of many medications, most cases are reversible after treatment interruption, and fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is rare. Venlafaxine and trazodone are 2 popular antidepressant agents. Alteration of liver enzyme levels has been reported as a side effect of these drugs at normal doses. Herein we have reported the case of a 48-year-old woman without any previous history of liver disease, who developed fulminant liver failure after 4 months of venlafaxine and trazodone therapy. She required liver transplantation, a procedure that was successful with full patient recovery. The first 5 years of follow-up were uneventful. This case documented that venlafaxine and trazodone at normal doses can produce severe liver toxicity. Liver tests should be monitored regularly in patients who receive this therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Bilirubin / blood
  • Cyclohexanols / adverse effects*
  • Depression / drug therapy
  • Factor V / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • International Normalized Ratio
  • Jaundice / chemically induced*
  • Liver Failure, Acute / chemically induced*
  • Liver Failure, Acute / surgery*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Trazodone / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

Substances

  • Cyclohexanols
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
  • Factor V
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Bilirubin
  • Trazodone