What are early symptoms of tricyclic antidepressant overdose?

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Multiple Choice

What are early symptoms of tricyclic antidepressant overdose?

In this overdose, the earliest sign is CNS toxicity from the drug’s anticholinergic and central effects. Altered mental status—such as confusion, agitation, or delirium—reflects the brain being affected early on and is the most reliable initial clue. Hypertension isn’t typical for TCAs; hypotension from alpha-adrenergic blockade is more common. Pupillary dilation and dry skin can occur as part of the anticholinergic picture, but they aren’t as specific or as early as the change in mental status. Seizures can happen with higher doses, but they’re not usually the first symptom. So, the best early indicator is altered mental status.

In this overdose, the earliest sign is CNS toxicity from the drug’s anticholinergic and central effects. Altered mental status—such as confusion, agitation, or delirium—reflects the brain being affected early on and is the most reliable initial clue. Hypertension isn’t typical for TCAs; hypotension from alpha-adrenergic blockade is more common. Pupillary dilation and dry skin can occur as part of the anticholinergic picture, but they aren’t as specific or as early as the change in mental status. Seizures can happen with higher doses, but they’re not usually the first symptom. So, the best early indicator is altered mental status.

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