We present a case of a 15-year-old female who was admitted in a comatose state with no spontaneous respiratory effort and absence of brainstem reflexes after cyclobenzaprine ingestion. Due to severe presentation and recent ingestion of high plasma protein binding medication with long half-life, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was performed and resulted in full neurological recovery. This case explores the role of TPE as an effective treatment option for life-threatening cyclobenzaprine overdose. TPE is generally beneficial for drugs that have a low volume of distribution and high plasma protein binding. Cyclobenzaprine is known to have a relatively high volume of distribution. However, in the case of drug intoxication with relatively high-volume distribution, high protein binding, and long half-life, TPE could be effective if it is conducted promptly.
Keywords: cyclobenzaprine; intoxication; overdose; plasmapheresis; poisoning; therapeutic plasma exchange.
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