Imipramine overdose

Definition

Imipramine is a medicine used to treat depression. Imipramine 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

Tofranil overdose; Janimine overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Imipramine

Where Found

Imipramine is sold under various brand names, including:

• Antideprin
• Berkomine
• Janimine
• Norpramin
• Tipramine
• Tofranil

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Agitation
• Blurred vision
• Breathing slowed and labored
• Coma
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Convulsions
• Enlarged pupils in the eye
• Delirium (decline in attention and mental process)
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Hallucinations
• Irregular heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle rigidity and spasms
• Restlessness
• Seizures
• Skin flushing
• Stupor (lack of alertness)
• Shock
• Uncoordinated movement
• Urinary hesitancy
• Vomiting

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

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 are treated as appropriate.

The patient may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Blood tests to monitor imipramine levels
• Breathing support
• Fluids through a vein (by IV)
• Laxative
• Medicine, called an antidote, to reverse the effects of the poison (sodium bicarbonate)
• Tube through the nose into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

Imipramine can be an extremely serious overdose. Patients who swallow an excessive amount of this drug are almost always admitted to hospital.

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

Death can occur, usually from serious heart rhythm disturbances or because breathing stops.

References

Brush DE, Aaron CK. Tricyclic and other cyclic antidepressants. 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 27.

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