Symptoms of an Amitriptyline Hydrochloride Overdose

Amitriptyline hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant sold under the brand names of Elavil and Endep. Other names include Adepril, Vanatrip, Tryptanol, Trepiline, Enovil, Amitid, Amitril, and Emitrip. It is sold under prescription only and is not available over the counter. Amitriptyline hydrochloride is available as a liquid for injection and as tablets in the dosages of 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg. It is used to treat depression and other psychiatric conditions, as well as treating chronic pain in low doses. There is a chance of overdose when someone takes too much of the drug at one time.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of an overdose include dry mouth, enlarged pupils, shock, irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, blurred vision, inability to urinate, urinary hesitancy, and slowed labored breathing. Other signs can include coma, convulsions, agitation, drowsiness, headache, hallucinations, inability to concentrate, restlessness, muscle rigidity, seizures, and stupor. Uncoordinated movement, constipation, increased appetite, weight gain, and vomiting are more signs of an overdose.

Treatment

Overdosing on amitriptyline hydrochloride can be very serious. You'll need to call emergency healthcare and poison control. Try to know how much was taken and when it was taken for the best help. While at the ER the patient will be monitored and symptoms will be treated. Things that may be used include laxatives, sodium bicarbonate to reverse the poisoning, IV fluids, breathing help, activated charcoal, and gastric lavage.

Patients are nearly always admitted for a hospital stay for this type of overdose. The faster that treatment was started, the better off the patient is. The prognosis depends on how much poison was taken and how fast the treatment was begun.

Source: A.D.A.M., Rxlist.com