AI told you what?

You wake up earlier than usual and take your antidepressant. You decide to go back to bed, and when you wake up the second time, you accidentally take your medication again.

So, you immediately Google, “Accidentally took bupropion twice.”  The first thing on the page is: “AI Overview: If you accidentally took a double dose of bupropion (Wellbutrin), call your doctor, pharmacist, or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.”

This is great news for us at the poison center. It means people are calling us instead of taking advice from the internet that may or may not be accurate. It’s good news for them, too – we can guide them through what do and usually keep them home from the doctor or hospital. But, not surprisingly, our case volume has skyrocketed—from an average of 182 per day last year to 230 per day this year.

Our team of poison specialists is fantastic and working hard to sustain our level of service. However, to meet the growing need, we’re working to expand by hiring two more pharmacists who will be trained extensively in poison information and toxicology.

With our public funding levels in jeopardy, we’re working hard to increase support from community sources: foundations, corporations, and people like you! If you’d like to contribute, click here.

As always, call us at 1-800-222-1222 with any situations or questions involving a toxic substance or drug. We’re real, understanding people at the end of the line, ready with expert guidance!