Antidepressants, old and new. A review of their adverse effects and toxicity in overdose.
The newer antidepressants are as efficacious as the older agents in the treatment of depression. They have a side effect profile that is different from the older drugs and are generally better tolerated. Drug-drug interactions do exist with some of these agents and can usually be predicted from knowledge of their metabolism. When taken in overdose as the sole agents they are rarely fatal; seizures, nausea, vomiting, decreased level of consciousness, and tachycardia are common. In combination with other drugs, toxicity can be more severe. The serotonin syndrome can occur with many of these drugs, and the emergency physician must be vigilant in the evaluation of the overdose patient. CAs and older MAOIs are still in use and remain dangerous when taken in overdose. Patients asymptomatic after a period of observation in the ED usually can be discharged after psychiatric evaluation, when it is required.
Sarko
J
J
Department of Emergency Medicine, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000009:adverse effects; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D004347:Drug Interactions; D062787:Drug Overdose; D006801:Humans; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride