Case report: sustained-release verapamil overdose causing stroke: an unusual complication.

Abstract

A 47-year-old woman ingested 7.2 gm of sustained-release verapamil. She developed hypotension, idioventricular rhythm, mild acidosis, mild hyperglycemia, and aspiration pneumonia that required antibiotics and mechanical ventilatory support. In addition, she had a stroke, which resulted from left cerebral hemispheric damage, an unusual complication. Stroke is reported only once in the literature. Special problems related to slow release medication and the need to be aware of them are discussed.