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Tricyclic antidepressant overdose

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Mild to moderate poisoning usually occurs when more than 10 mg/kg of tricyclic is ingested. Such patients may present with dilated pupils, dry mouth, drowsiness, sinus tachycardia, urinary retention, increased tendon reflexes, and extensor plantar responses.

Severe poisoning usually occurs when more than 15 - 20 mg/kg is ingested. These patients often present with fits, coma, and cardiac arrhythmias. Death from cardiac arrest may also occur.

Symptoms usually appear within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion, and reach their peak intensity within 4 to 12 hours.

Death is rare when less than 1 g is ingested.

About 7% of all suicides are antidepressant related.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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