Acute Self-Poisoning with Tricyclic Antidepressants in 295 Consecutive Patients Treated in an ICU

Clinical findings on admission & outcome in 295 consecutive admissions to a Copenhagen hospital for treatment of tricyclic antidepressant overdose are reported. 7 patients died; all required artificial ventilation. Cerebral depression, cardiovascular impairment, respiratory failure, abnormal ECG’s, & the incidence of convulsions are discussed. The authors conclude that a high incidence of acute failure of vital organs followed the ingestion of more than 1200 mg of a TCA. 20 ref.