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Warning-sign checks

Amitriptyline and perphenazine overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for fainting, a seizure, trouble breathing, chest pain, severe weakness, or inability to wake the person.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical advice after discharge for new palpitations, worsening dizziness, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, fever, unusual stiffness, or new involuntary movements.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up may involve a primary care clinician, psychiatrist, cardiologist, neurologist, or another specialist, depending on what happened.

    Routine follow-up is important for reviewing whether amitriptyline or perphenazine should be restarted, changed, or stopped.

    Do not restart either medicine after an overdose unless the prescribing clinician provides a plan.

    Follow-up can also address safer storage, supervised dispensing, or disposal of medicines that are no longer needed.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Before discharge, the care team may review the medication list, heart findings, movement symptoms, and any complications.

After an intentional overdose, timely mental health care and a practical safety plan are important.

Family members or trusted supporters may be included with the person's permission.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Amitriptyline and perphenazine overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.