Amitriptyline abuse and misuse.
Deaths related to amitriptyline toxicity are relatively common and are typically related to suicidal overdose. A less well-recognized situation of amitriptyline intoxication occurs when the drug is abused for its euphorigenic effects. An amitriptyline-related death due to a mixed drug intoxication is presented. Death investigation revealed that the death was accidental rather than suicidal. The case serves to remind forensic investigators that not all amitriptyline overdose deaths represent suicides. A segment of the population is known to abuse amitriptyline.
Prahlow
Joseph A
JA
South Bend Medical Foundation and Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend Center for Medical Education at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 46601, USA. jprahlow@sbmflab.org
Landrum
Jeffry E
JE
D000328:Adult; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000633:toxicity*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000633:toxicity*; D001344:Autopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013405:Suicide
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D000639:Amitriptyline