Amitriptyline and Perphenazine overdose
Definition
This is poisoning from taking an excessive amount of a drug that contains both amitriptyline and perphenazine. The medicine is sometimes prescribed for patients with depression, agitation, or anxiety.
See also: Amitriptyline overdose
Alternative Names
Etrafon overdose; Triavil overdose; Triptazine overdosePoisonous Ingredient
Amitriptyline and perphenazine
Where Found
- Etrafon
- PMS-Levazine
- Triavil
- Triptazine
Symptoms
Bladder and kidneys
- Urinary hesitancy
- Can not completely empty the bladder
Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth
- Blurred vision
- Enlarged pupils
- Nasal congestion
- Unpleasant taste
- Excessive salivation
Lungs
Gastrointestinal
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Heart and blood
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heartbeat- rapid
- Low blood pressure (severe)
- Shock
Muscles and joints
Nervous system
- Agitation
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Stupor (lack of alertness)
- Uncoordinated movement
- Tremor
- Weakness
Reproductive system
Skin
Whole body
- Fever
- Hypothermia (body temperature is lower than normal)
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 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 hospital, if possible.
See National Poison Control center.
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
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Medicines to make the person throw up
- Activated charcoal
- Laxative
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
- Breathing help, possible artificial respiration
Outlook (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 therapy, the better the chance for recovery.
Survival past 2 weeks is usually a good sign.
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
