title: Reversible brain death. A manifestation of amitriptyline overdose.
abstract: Tricyclic antidepressants are known to cause central nervous system depression. However, a generalized depression of brainstem functions is rarely reported. We report a patient in deep coma with complete absence of brain-stem reflexes after she had taken a large quantity of amitriptyline. With continuous supportive treatment, she eventually regained all neurologic function and made a full recovery.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Dantzker
mesh_terms: D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001926:Brain Death; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000639:Amitriptyline