Imipramine overdose
Definition
Imipramine is a medicine used to treat depression. Imipramine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
Alternative Names
Tofranil overdose; Janimine overdose
Poisonous Ingredient
Imipramine
Where Found
Imipramine is sold under various brand names, including:
- Antideprin
- Berkomine
- Janimine
- Norpramin
- Tipramine
- Tofranil
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
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
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 are treated as appropriate.
The patient may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Antidote (sodium bicarbonate)
- Blood tests to monitor imipramine levels
- Breathing support (artificial respiration)
- Fluids
- Laxative
- Tube thru the nose into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
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: 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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