[Acute poisoning by orphenadrine]

From January 1974 to June 1983, the Paris Poison Control Centre collected 84 cases of overdosage with orphenadrine alone or in combination. Prior papers emphasized fatalities related to orphenadrine poisoning. This retrospective study suggests an underestimated incidence of anticholinergic drugs abuse in our country. The clinical picture of orphenadrine poisoning associates drowsiness, agitation, confusion, delirium and seizures. Anticholinergic symptoms are often noted: mydriasis, sinus tachycardia, dryness of the mouth and urinary retention. No severe cardiac disturbance was found in these patients.