Seizure secondary to citalopram overdose.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used in the community for treating many forms of mental illness. Citalopram, a newer generation SSRI, is commonly prescribed but, despite its low toxicity profile, has a danger of seizure and dysrhythmias in overdose. This case report documents the key aspects in treatment of a citalopram overdose resulting in a seizure and an episode of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The seizure was successfully treated with benzodiazepines. The SVT was terminated with administration of adenosine. We review the literature and make recommendations on treatment of citalopram overdose.
Madigan-University of Washington Emergency Medicine Residency, Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Washington 98433, USA.
Peter John
PJ
Cuenca
Kurtis Rex
KR
Holt
Jeffrey David
JD
Hoefle
D000241:Adenosine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000506:poisoning*; D015283:Citalopram / Q000506:poisoning*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000188:drug therapy; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014196:Trazodone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D015283:Citalopram; D000241:Adenosine; D008140:Lorazepam; D014196:Trazodone