Overdose rates in lithium-treated versus antidepressant-treated outpatients.
Our clinical experience that lithium is an agent used infrequently for self-poisoning was investigated. The rate at which such overdoses occurred was determined from hospital records. A retrospective case notes study then compared overdose rates in patients taking lithium versus patients on antidepressant medication. A low rate of lithium overdoses was identified, and this appeared to be due to patients on lithium rarely taking overdoses rather than their choice of agent.
Waddington
D
D
Department of Psychiatry, Airedale General Hospital, Keighley, United Kingdom.
McKenzie
I P
IP
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012646:Self Administration
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D008094:Lithium