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.
Department of Psychiatry, Airedale General Hospital, Keighley, United Kingdom.
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Waddington
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McKenzie
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