Tricyclic overdose
Overdose of tricyclic antidepressants is a common presentation to emergency departments. Amitriptyline and dosulepin (dothiepin) are particularly dangerous in overdose.
Early features relate to anticholinergic properties: dry mouth, dilated pupils, agitation, sinus tachycardia, blurred vision.
Features of severe poisoning include:
ECG changes include:
Widening of QRS > 100ms is associated with an increased risk of seizures whilst QRS > 160ms is associated with ventricular arrhythmias
Management
Early features relate to anticholinergic properties: dry mouth, dilated pupils, agitation, sinus tachycardia, blurred vision.
Features of severe poisoning include:
- arrhythmias
- seizures
- metabolic acidosis
- coma
ECG changes include:
- sinus tachycardia
- widening of QRS
- prolongation of QT interval
Widening of QRS > 100ms is associated with an increased risk of seizures whilst QRS > 160ms is associated with ventricular arrhythmias
Management
- IV bicarbonate may reduce the risk of seizures and arrhythmias in severe toxicity
- arrhythmias: class 1a (e.g. Quinidine) and class Ic antiarrhythmics (e.g. Flecainide) are contraindicated as they prolong depolarisation. Class III drugs such as amiodarone should also be avoided as they prolong the QT interval. Response to lignocaine is variable and it should be emphasized that correction of acidosis is the first line in management of tricyclic induced arrhythmias
- intravenous lipid emulsion is increasingly used to bind free drug and reduce toxicity
- dialysis is ineffective in removing tricyclics