Citation

Minns AB, Clark RF. J. Emerg. Med. 2012; 43(5): 906-913.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.03.002

PMID

22555052

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Second-generation antipsychotic medications, or "atypical antipsychotics," are now first-line therapy in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, and are additionally being used in a wide array of other psychiatric and non-psychiatric conditions in both adults and children. Overdose is frequently reported to poison control centers. OBJECTIVES: We review the toxicology and general management of poisonings involving the atypical antipsychotic medications. DISCUSSION: The most serious toxicity involves the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system. All typical and atypical antipsychotics cause sedation, which is pronounced in overdose. The most common cardiovascular effects that occur after atypical antipsychotic overdose are tachycardia, mild hypotension, and prolongation of the QTc interval. Other clinical syndromes in overdose include neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and antimuscarinic delirium. Seizures may be observed. No antidotes exist for these poisonings, but they most often do well with supportive care. CONCLUSION: Antipsychotic overdose produces a gamut of manifestations that affect multiple organ systems. Treatment is primarily supportive. Specific therapies for NMS, hypotension, and seizures are discussed.

Language: en