Antidepressant overdose

Description

Most of the antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Most common names for these medicines are Prozac, Paroxetine, Seroxat, Citalex, Fluoxetine, Zolofit. They can cause significant symptoms (serotonin syndrome) when being overdosed, but they are rarely lethal. Another class of antidepressants is called tricyclic antidepressants and overdosing with these drugs can be very serious and life-threatening. Tricyclic antidepressants include Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Doxepin, and Nortriptyline.

Symptoms

Dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, tremor, sleepiness, tachycardia, fever and altered mental status.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examinations are being done. Blood tests and electrocardiogram are done to discover abnormal electrolytes and EKG changes. Other lab and radiological tests may be done to exclude other causes of the symptoms.

Tests

Complete blood analysis (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, CT scan, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), pregnancy test (beta-HCG), troponin, X-rays.

Additional analyses

Toxicological analysis of urine and blood.

Specialists

Medical Toxicology

Therapy

Therapy is primarily supportive, and it includes adding of oxygen and maintaining of adequate blood pressure and fostering the urination with intravenous fluids. Cardiac frequency and rhythm are being followed regularly until the condition of the person stabilizes. Sedation with benzodiazepines (diazepam/benzidine, lorazepam) is sometimes necessary.