Desipramine hydrochloride overdose

Definition

Desipramine hydrochloride is a type of medicine called a tricyclic antidepressant. Desipramine 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.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Desipramine

Where Found

• Norpramin
• Nebril
• Nortimil
• Pertofrane
• Pertofrin
• Sertofren

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Airways and lungs
  • Breathing slowed and labored
• Bladder and kidneys
  • Urinary hesitancy
• Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth
• Gastrointestinal
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Shock
• Nervous system
  • Agitation
  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Drowsiness
  • Hallucinations (thinking something is there when it is not)
  • Restlessness
  • Stupor (lack of alertness)
  • Uncoordinated movement

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make the person throw up.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

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

Poison Control

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. Tests may be done to check the patient's heart function. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

The patient may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Breathing help (artificial respiration)
• Fluids through a vein (by IV)
• Laxative
• Medicine called an antidote (sodium bicarbonate) to reverse the effects of the poison
• Tube from the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on how quickly treatment is received. The sooner therapy is received, the greater the chance of recovery. This can be an extremely serious overdose. Death can occur.

References

Kirk MA, Baer AB. Anticholinergics and antihistamines. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 39.

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