Drexel University College of Medicine

Poisons

Thioridazine overdose

Definition

Thioridazine is a medication prescribed to treat serious mental and emotional disorders, including schizophrenia. Thioridazine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

See also: Phenothiazine overdose

Alternative Names

Mellaril overdose; Hydrochloride - thioridazine overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Thioridazine

Where Found

• Mellaril
• Melozine

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Bladder and kidneys
  • Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Ear, nose, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Drooling
  • Dry mouth
  • Nasal congestion
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Ulcers in the mouth, on the tongue, or in the throat
  • Vision color changes (brown tinge)
  • Yellow eyes
• Heart and blood
  • Heartbeat - rapid
  • High or severely low blood pressure
• Mouth, stomach, and intestinal tract
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
• Muscles and bones
  • Muscle spasms
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Stiff neck or face
• Nervous system
  • Coma
  • Difficulty walking
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fever
  • Hypothermia (body temperature is lower than normal)
  • Seizures
  • Tremor
  • Incoordination
  • Weakness
• Other
  • Menstrual changes
• Skin
  • Skin discoloration, bluish (changing to a purplish color)

Home Treatment

Get immediate medical help. DO NOT make the person throw up unless told to do so by poison control.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

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. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Breathing support (artificial respiration)
• Fluids by IV
• Laxative
• Medicine (a partial antidote called sodium bicarbonate) to help reverse the effect of the poison
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery depends on the amount of damage. Survival past 2 days is usually a good sign. The most serious side effects are usually due to damage to the heart. If heart damage can be stabilized, recovery is likely.

References

Nockowitz RA, Rund DA. Psychotropic medications. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 290.

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