title: Cardiotoxic side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressant overdose.
abstract: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a popular, effective medication prescribed for patients with depression. The patient with severe depression may exhibit suicidal tendencies; thus, overdose of a prescribed TCA may occur, resulting in a potentially fatal outcome. The cardiotoxic effect of TCA overdose is the most pronounced complication. Multiple rhythm disturbances may occur in the presence of a TCA overdose. The greatest number of adverse cardiac symptoms and electrocardiographic changes are likely to occur within the first 24 hours after overdose. Nursing care of the patient with a TCA overdose is based upon ongoing patient assessment, identification of problems and potential problems, establishment of expected patient outcomes, and specific nursing interventions.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Keis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000506:poisoning*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning
chemical_list: D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic