Novel Presentation of Cardiotoxicity and Other Complications in Tricyclic Antidepressant Poisoning

Cureus. 2021 Aug 14;13(8):e17181. doi: 10.7759/cureus.17181. eCollection 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) is a known frequently used and highly potent antidepressant that serves as an unsuspecting source of acute human poisoning. We present a case of an Asian female in her mid-30s who suffered TCA toxidrome that manifested as severe cardiovascular toxicities including arrhythmia characterized by QT elongation that was managed emergently. Hemodynamics and ECG findings improved gradually following appropriate therapy in the intensive care unit. Following two days of treatment, the patient regained consciousness and after seven days the patient made a full clinical recovery and was discharged with no residual neurological effects. The relevant medical literature on TCA poisoning is reviewed.

Keywords: cardiology; clinical psychiatry; critical care; disaster medicine; emergency critical care; emergency medicine; neurology; psychiatric pharmacology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports