Desipramine hydrochloride overdose

Definition

This is poisoning from swallowing a large amount of desipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

• Desipramine

Where Found

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

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

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

Home Treatment

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, 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 U.S. 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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

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. The patient may receive:

• Fluids
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)  
• Breathing help (artificial respiration)

Expectations (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.