Dibenzepin overdose causing pulmonary edema.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of pulmonary edema due to dibenzepin overdose.


METHODS
A 39-year-old woman was hospitalized 24 hours after she ingested eight tablets of dibenzepin hydrochloride delayed-release 240 mg/tablet (approximately 35 mg/kg body weight). On admission the patient was confused, and physical examination revealed sinus tachycardia (HR 130 beats/min). Forty-five hours after ingestion of the dibenzepin she developed pulmonary edema and was treated with furosemide, morphine, and mechanical ventilation through an endotracheal tube for 48 hours. Repeated echocardiography revealed left ventricular dysfunction that resolved as the medical condition of the patient improved. Appropriate studies excluded pneumonia, pneumonitis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary emboli as contributing factors to this patient's condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Tricyclic antidepressant overdose is known to cause cardiopulmonary complications, including pulmonary edema. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pulmonary edema as a result of dibenzepin overdose. The most probable mechanism for this complication is depression of the left ventricular function.


CONCLUSIONS
As with other tricyclic antidepressants, dibenzepin toxicity may cause pulmonary edema. Close patient monitoring is essential for at least 48-72 hours after the overdose.
Wirtheim
E
E
Department of Internal Medicine A, Beilinson Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Bloch
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D003984:Dibenzazepines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005665:Furosemide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D003984:Dibenzazepines; D004232:Diuretics; C084605:dibenzepin; D009020:Morphine; D005665:Furosemide