Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) arc a popular, effective medication prescribed for patients with depression. The patient with severe depression may exhibit suicidal tendencies; thus, overdose of a prescribed TCA may occur, resulting in a potentially fatal outcome. The cardiotoxic effect of TCA overdose is the most pronounced complication. Multiple rhythm disturbances may occur in the presence of a TCA overdose. The greatest number of adverse cardiac symptoms and electrocardiographic changes are likely to occur within the first 24 hours after overdose. Nursing care of the patient with a TCA overdose is based upon ongoing patient assessment, identification of problems and potential problems, establishment of expected patient outcomes, and specific nursing interventions
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
1 February 1992
Complex Dysrhythmias|
February 01 1992
Cardiotoxic Side Effects Associated with Tricyclic Antidepressant Overdose
Nancy A. Keis, RN, MSN
From Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Cleveland, Ohio.
Reprint requests to Nancy A. Keis, RN, MSN, 24855 Framingham Dr., Westlake, OH 44145.
Search for other works by this author on:
AACN Adv Crit Care (1992) 3 (1): 226–232.
Citation
Nancy A. Keis; Cardiotoxic Side Effects Associated with Tricyclic Antidepressant Overdose. AACN Adv Crit Care 1 February 1992; 3 (1): 226–232. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/15597768-1992-1028
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Short-term Access
Purchase short-term access on a pay-per-article or pay-per-issue basis.
$15 72 - hour single article access $30 7 - day full issue access