Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
05:14
A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo
Published on: May 16, 2020
Tricyclic antidepressant overdose: a review.
G W Kerr1, A C McGuffie, S Wilkie
1Accident and Emergency Department, Ayr Hospital, Dalmellington Road, Ayr, Scotland. gary.kerr@aaaht.scot.nhs.uk
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|July 4, 2001
Summary
Tricyclic antidepressant overdoses are common in emergency departments. This review covers their pharmacokinetics, clinical effects, and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are frequently implicated in drug poisoning cases.
- Accidental and intentional overdoses present significant challenges in emergency care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacokinetics of tricyclic antidepressants in overdose.
- To outline the clinical presentation of tricyclic antidepressant toxicity.
- To discuss current treatment modalities for tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacokinetics, clinical presentation, and treatment of tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
Main Results:
- Tricyclic antidepressant overdoses exhibit complex pharmacokinetics influencing toxicity.
- Clinical manifestations range from anticholinergic effects to severe cardiac and neurological complications.
- Management requires prompt identification and supportive care, potentially including specific antidotes.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of tricyclic antidepressant overdose relies on understanding its pharmacokinetic profile and clinical spectrum.
- Early recognition and appropriate interventions are crucial for improving patient outcomes in tricyclic antidepressant poisoning.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
01:25Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
Antidepressant drugs are a class of medications primarily used for treating various mood disorders, including major depression, anxiety disorders, and other related conditions. These medicines work by modulating the neurotransmitter balance within the brain, alleviating depressive symptoms. Antidepressants can be broadly categorized into several groups according to their mechanism of action and chemical structure: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine...
01:28Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
01:30Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...