Overdoses with Tricyclic Antidepressants

Abstract

The authors present a 46-year-old female and a 14-month-old female following ingestion of an overdose of tricyclic antidepressants, amitriptyline and imipramine, respectively. The discussion, following the cases, reviews the toxic manifestations of the antidepressive agents, i.e., CNS depression, agitation, delirium, coma, cardiac manifestations and anticholinergic effects. Review of appropriate treatment, particularly the use of physostigmine, is also presented.