Prolonged coma and loss of brainstem reflexes following amitriptyline overdose.
Severe tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose is generally manifested by cardiovascular and/or central nervous system toxicity. Although the majority of patients who are comatose following these overdoses regain consciousness within 24 h, this case had 5-days of coma with associated loss of brainstem reflexes. Severe central nervous system depression can occur as a sole manifestation of TCA overdose without concomitant cardiovascular toxicity.
Roberge
R J
RJ
Department of Emergency Medicine, St Francis Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA.
Krenzelok
E P
EP
D000328:Adult; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000506:poisoning*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000506:poisoning*; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000187:drug effects*; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D000639:Amitriptyline