Health Encyclopedia

Amitriptyline and perphenazine overdose

Definition

Amitriptyline and perphenazine is a combination drug that is sometimes prescribed for patients with depression, agitation, or anxiety.

Amitriptyline and perphenazine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

Alternative Names

Etrafon overdose; Triavil overdose; Triptazine overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Amitriptyline and perphenazine

Where Found

Etrafon
PMS-Levazine
Triavil
Triptazine

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Airways and lungs
- Breathing - slowed and labored
Bladder and kidneys
- Urinary hesitancy
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth
- Blurred vision
- Enlarged pupils
- Excessive salivation
- Nasal congestion
- Unpleasant taste
Heart and blood
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heartbeat - rapid
- Low blood pressure (severe)
- Shock
Muscles and joints
Nervous system
- Agitation
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Hypothermia (body temperature is lower than normal)
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Stupor (lack of alertness)
- Uncoordinated movement
- Tremor
- Weakness
Reproductive system
- Change in menstrual patterns
Skin
- Itchy skin
- Rash
Stomach and intestines
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- 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, 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 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.

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
Antidote (sodium bicarbonate) to reverse the effects of the overdose
Breathing help, possible artificial respiration
Fluids
Laxative
Tube from the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on how much of the drug was swallowed and how quickly medical treatment was received. The faster a patient receives medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Survival past 2 weeks is usually a good sign.

References

Woolf AD, Erdman AR, Nelson LS, et al. American Association of Poison Control Centers. Tricyclic antidepressant poisoning: an evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management. Clin Toxicol. 2007;45(3):203-233.

Review Date:1/20/2008
Reviewed By:Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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