Signs of Antidepressant overdose

Description

Most antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Common trade names for these medications include Prozac, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Zoloft, and Paxil. They can cause significant symptoms (serotonin syndrome) when taken as an overdose but are rarely lethal. Another class of antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants can cause very serious and life threatening overdoses. The common tricylcic antidepressants include amitriptyline, amoxapine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, and nortriptyline.

Symptoms

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

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Lab and radiology tests are done to rule out other causes of the symptoms.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
EKG
Troponin
BHCG
CT Scan
X-Ray

Treatment

Therapy consists of supportive treatment with intravenous fluids, benzodiazepines and the protection of the patient. There is no specific antidote. Tricyclic overdoses require large doses of sodium bicarbonate. For more information and help call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.