In this section : Poisoning
Paracetamol
SSRI Poisoning
Aspirin
Digoxin Poisoning
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Opiates
Benzodiazepines
Gut Decontamination
Deliberate Self Harm
SSRI Poisoning
Last updated 3rd December 2020
Last updated on 14th May 2014 by Calum Murray
Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- This group of anti-depressants include citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine (SNRI).
- SSRIs do not have the anticholinergic, alpha and sodium channel blocking actions of TCAs and are therefore much less cardiotoxic and cause fewer deaths in OD. Some common symptoms may include: drowsiness, sinus tachycardia, nausea, diarrhoea. Seizures have also been reported particularly with citalopram and venlafaxine.
- If the patient presents within 1 hour of ingestion, then give activated charcoal.
- Supportive and symptomatic measures are all that is required in most cases.
- Beware of patient presenting with features of serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, hypertonia, clonus, sweating, tachycardia, hyperpyrexia) which may be caused by interaction between SSRIs, MAOIs, TCAs. Treat by withdrawal of the offending drug, cooling measures instigated immediately and discuss with a eg National Poinsons Information service on 0344 892 0111.