Sudden death of a child treated with imipramine. Case study.
Since 1990, there have been seven reported cases of sudden death in children treated with tricyclic antidepressants. This case study describes the sudden death of an additional child (8 years 9 months old, 29 kg in weight) treated with a tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine (100 mg orally, twice daily), and dextroamphetamine (10 mg orally every morning). Prior to death, there were signs of possible cardiovascular abnormalities after treatment was begun with imipramine. The report adds to the concern over the use of tricyclics in children.
Varley
C K
CK
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle 98105, USA. Cvarley@u.washington.edu
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000209:etiology*; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D007099:Imipramine; D003913:Dextroamphetamine