Am J Psychiatry 1977; 134:66-68
Copyright © 1977 by American Psychiatric Association
A study of low-dose amitriptyline overdoses
JP O'Brien
Although a 1-week supply of tricyclic antidepressants is generally
considered safe, the author shows that this amount can be severely toxic.
Six of 12 instances of low-dose (500-1000 mg) amitriptyline overdoses were
life threatening. The author suggests that prescription guidelines for
tricyclic antidepressants be tightened and that physicians prescribe less
than a 1-week supply to potentially suicidal patients.
