Health Encyclopedia
Imipramine overdose
Definition
This is poisoning from taking too much of the drug imipramine, an antidepressant.
Alternative Names
Tofranil; JaniminePoisonous Ingredient
Imipramine
Where Found
- Antideprin
- Berkomine
- Janimine
- Norpramin
- Tipramine
- Tofranil
Symptoms
- Agitation
- Blurred vision
- Breathing slowed and labored
- Coma
- Constipation
- Convulsions
- Enlarged pupils in the eye
- Delirium (decline in attention and mental process)
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle rigidity
- Pulmonary edema (accumulation of fluid in the lungs)
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Stupor (lack of alertness)
- Shock
- Uncoordinate 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 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 emergency room.
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
- Blood tests to monitor imipramine levels
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Activated charcoal
- Laxative
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
- Artificial respiration
Outlook (Prognosis)
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.
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
