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Poisoning with antidepressive drugs: a five-year retrospective study
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Therapy, and Toxicology
|October 1, 1985
Summary
Antidepressant self-poisoning cases were infrequent (3%) between 1976-1980. Amitriptyline was common, and ECG abnormalities occurred in most patients, especially with co-ingestions.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute drug overdosage admissions were analyzed at a Berlin resuscitation center from 1976 to 1980.
- Focus was placed on self-poisoning incidents involving antidepressants and specific low-potency neuroleptics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and characteristics of self-poisoning with antidepressants and low-potency neuroleptics.
- To investigate clinical outcomes, including ECG changes and respiratory depression.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 3,193 drug overdosage admissions.
- Identification of cases involving antidepressants and neuroleptics (perazine, thioridazine).
- Review of patient data, including co-ingestions, ventilation requirements, and ECG findings.
Main Results:
- Antidepressants and neuroleptics accounted for 92 cases (3%) over 5 years.
- Amitriptyline combined with benzodiazepines was the most frequent overdose combination.
- ECG abnormalities (prolonged QTC, PR intervals) were observed in 21/24 patients; sinus tachycardia was common.
- Co-ingestion with ethanol increased the risk of ECG changes and respiratory depression.
Conclusions:
- Antidepressant self-poisoning incidence was relatively low in this Berlin population.
- Potential reasons include lower prescription rates, lower prescribed dosages, or therapeutic success of antidepressants in preventing suicide attempts.