Health Encyclopedia

Amitriptyline hydrochloride overdose

Definition

Amitriptyline hydrochloride is a type of prescription medicine called a tricyclic antidepressant. Amitriptyline hydrochloride overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Elavil overdose; Adepril overdose; Endep overdose; Enovil overdose; Trepiline overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Amitriptyline

Where Found

Amitriptyline hydrochloride is a prescription medication. Brands include:

Adepril
Amitid
Amitril
Elavil
Emitrip
Endep
Enovil
Trepiline
Tryptanol
Vanatrip

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Airways and lungs
- Slowed, labored breathing
Bladder and kidneys
- Urinary hesitancy
Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Enlarged pupils
Heart and blood
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Shock
Nervous system
- Agitation
- Coma (sudden onset)
- Convulsions (sudden onset)
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Inability to concentrate
- Muscle rigidity
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Stupor (lack of alertness)
- Uncoordinated movement
Stomach and intestines
- Constipation
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain
- Vomiting

Home Treatment

This can be a very serious overdose. Seek immediate medical help.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed
If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

The patient may receive:

Activated charcoal
Antidote (sodium bicarbonate)
Breathing help, possibly artificial respiration
Fluids
Laxative
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

Amitriptyline hydrochloride can be an extremely serious overdose.

Patients who swallow an excessive amount of this drug are almost always admitted to hospital.

How well a patient does depends on how much of the drug was swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance of recovery.

References

Woolf AD, Erdman AR, Nelson LS, et al. American Association of Poison Control Centers. Tricyclic antidepressant poisoning: an evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management. Clin Toxicol. 2007;45(3):203-233.

Review Date:2/5/2009
Reviewed By:A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/20/2008).

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