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Related Experiment Videos

Self-poisoning with over-the-counter hypnotics.

M D Allen, D J Greenblatt, B J Noel

    Clinical Toxicology
    |January 1, 1979
    PubMed
    Summary

    Over-the-counter hypnotic overdoses, often causing toxic psychosis, are typically brief and benign. Most patients recover quickly without lasting effects, rarely needing specific treatment.

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    Area of Science:

    • Pharmacology
    • Toxicology
    • Psychiatry

    Background:

    • Over-the-counter (OTC) hypnotics are widely available for sleep disturbances.
    • Drug overdoses, including those involving psychotropic medications, necessitate hospital admission.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients admitted for overdosage of OTC hypnotic preparations.
    • To assess the frequency and characteristics of central anticholinergic toxicity in these cases.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of hospital admission data for psychotropic drug overdosage.
    • Identification of cases involving OTC hypnotic preparations between 1962 and 1975.
    • Clinical review of patients exhibiting anticholinergic toxicity symptoms.

    Main Results:

    • Twenty-one of 773 admissions (2.7%) were linked to OTC hypnotic overdosage.
    • Ten patients (48%) displayed central anticholinergic toxicity, including hallucinations, delirium, and confusion.
    • All patients experienced rapid and complete recovery without sequelae; physostigmine therapy was rarely needed.

    Conclusions:

    • Overdosage of OTC hypnotics frequently induces a transient "toxic psychosis" due to anticholinergic effects.
    • Intoxication from these agents is generally short-lived and benign.
    • Prognosis is favorable, with minimal need for specific medical intervention.

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