Prognosis
Outcome depends on the degree of overdose as well as the comorbidities of the patient. Death occurs either from early cardiac arrest or from late refractory hypotension. Young, healthy people with mild-to-moderate overdoses tend to do extremely well when therapy is aggressive. Mortality in healthy people with large overdoses is also typically low if correctly managed, although some patients may succumb to their overdose despite appropriate therapy. Older people, and those with comorbidities affecting their cardiovascular status, often have higher morbidity and mortality even with a moderate overdose. Patients who show no significant signs of tricyclic antidepressant overdose for at least 6 hours after arrival are expected to do well.[11]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer