Tricyclic antidepressant overdose

Tricyclic antidepressant overdose is a serious condition resulting from an excessive amount of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in the body. This can occur either through accidental ingestion or intentional overdose. The severity of the overdose can range from mild to life-threatening.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a tricyclic antidepressant overdose can vary widely and may include nausea, vomiting, agitation, seizures, and coma. Other symptoms may include cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, and respiratory depression. The severity of symptoms often depends on the amount of the drug ingested.

Causes

Tricyclic antidepressant overdose is typically caused by the ingestion of a large amount of the drug, either accidentally or intentionally. This can occur if a person takes more than the prescribed dose of the medication, or if a child accidentally ingests the medication.

Treatment

Treatment for a tricyclic antidepressant overdose typically involves supportive care, including monitoring of vital signs and treatment of symptoms as they occur. In some cases, gastric lavage may be performed to remove the drug from the stomach. Activated charcoal may also be used to bind the drug in the stomach and intestines, preventing further absorption into the body.

Prevention

Prevention of tricyclic antidepressant overdose involves careful monitoring of medication use, especially in individuals at risk for overdose. This includes individuals with a history of suicide attempts or those with a history of substance abuse.

See also

• Antidepressant
• Overdose
• Toxicology

External links

• National Poison Control Center
• World Health Organization
• American Association of Poison Control Centers

Further reading

• Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies
• Clinical Toxicology: Principles and Mechanisms