title: A study of low-dose amitriptyline overdoses.
abstract: Although a 1-week supply of tricyclic antidepressants is generally considered safe, the author shows that this amount can be severely toxic. Six of 12 instances of low-dose (500-1000 mg) amitriptyline overdoses were life threatening. The author suggests that prescription guidelines for tricyclic antidepressants be tightened and that physicians prescribe less than a 1-week supply to potentially suicidal patients.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000506:poisoning; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000639:Amitriptyline