Medical Encyclopedia: Imipramine overdose (Print Version)

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Medical Encyclopedia: Imipramine overdose

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002656.htm

Alternative names

Tofranil overdose; Janimine 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.

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
Uncoordinated 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, 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 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 through the nose into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (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.

Update Date: 1/20/2008

Updated 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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