Cardiotoxicity and late onset seizures with citalopram overdose.
A 31-year-old man ingested 400 mg of citalopram (Celexa) after an argument with his parents and girlfriend 13 h before presentation. Paramedics witnessed the patient having a generalized clonic seizure. The electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed a wide QRS complex, prolongation of the QTc interval, and left bundle branch pattern. He was treated with sodium bicarbonate with resolution of these changes. The patient was continued on a sodium bicarbonate infusion and demonstrated no further EKG abnormalities. Sodium bicarbonate should be considered as a treatment modality in patients with EKG abnormalities of prolongation of QRS or QTc interval after citalopram overdose.
Engebretsen
Kristin M
KM
Clinical Toxicology Service, Emergency Medicine Department, Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
Harris
Carson R
CR
Wood
James E
JE
D000328:Adult; D015283:Citalopram / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000506:poisoning*; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage
D015283:Citalopram; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate