Norpramin overdose: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Norpramin is a type of drug called a tricyclic antidepressant. It is used to treat depression.
P Norpramin overdose occurs when you accidentally or intentionally take too much of this medicine.
P This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

T Poisonous Ingredient
P Desipramine

T Where Found
P Norpramin is the brand name for a medicine called desipramine. Desipramine may also be sold under the following brand names:
- Nortimil
- Pertofrane
- Sertofren
P This list may not be all-inclusive.

T Symptoms
P Symptoms of norpramin overdose include:
- Dilated pupils and blurred vision
- Breathing difficulty
- Convulsions
- Difficulty or inability to urinate
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Hallucinations
- Muscle rigidity
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Restlessness, shock
- Decreased level of alertness, or even coma
- Vomiting

T Before Calling Emergency
P The following information is helpful for emergency assistance:
- Person's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
- If the medicine was prescribed for the person
P However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

T Poison Control
P Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.bThis hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
P This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

T What to Expect at the Emergency Room
P The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation), and breathing machine (ventilator)
- Blood and urine tests
- Chest x-ray
- ECG (electrocardiogram), or heart tracing
- Fluids through a vein (intravenous or IV)
- Laxative
- Medicines to treat signs and symptoms

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P How well a person does depends on the amount of the drug swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.
P This type of overdose can be extremely dangerous and difficult to treat. Heart rhythm problems are common, and serious harm and death can occur if the person is not treated right away.

T Alternative Names
P Antidepressant overdose; Desipramine overdose

T References
P Levine M, Ruha A-M. Antidepressants. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 151.
P National Library of Medicine; Specialized Information Services; Toxicology Data Network. Desipramine. Updated November 8, 2002. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov Web site. toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed February 9, 2017.

T Review Date 1/31/2017
P Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

