Tag: Antidepressant overdose

Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is relatively small, making an overdose a life-threatening event. A toxic amount of amitriptyline can disrupt the heart's electrical system, cause severe neurological symptoms, and lead to coma or death if not treated promptly.

Studies show that 56% of people who stop taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) experience withdrawal symptoms [1.6.3]. This highlights that even the most common antidepressants carry risks. When considering treatment, it's crucial to ask: **What is the riskiest antidepressant?**