Health Encyclopedia
Doxepin overdose
Definition
Doxepin a type of medication called a tricyclic antidepressant. The drug is prescribed to treat depression and anxiety. Doxepin overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
Alternative Names
Adapin overdose; Novoxapin overdose; Sinequan overdose; Triadapin overdose
Poisonous Ingredient
Doxepin
Where Found
- Adapin
- Co-Dax
- Novoxapin
- Sinequan
- Triadapin
This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms
- Airways and lungs
- Bladder and kidneys
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Heart and blood
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Shock
- Mouth, stomach, and intestinal tract
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Unpleasant taste
- Vomiting
- Nervous system
- Agitation
- Coma
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Incoordination
- Muscle rigidity
- Restlessness
- Stupor (a lack of alertness)
- Skin
- Skin that's unusually sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive)
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.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
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 will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Breathing support (artificial respiration)
- Fluids by IV
- Laxative
- Tube thru the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a patient does depends on the amount of medication swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
