Tricyclic antidepressant overdose causing acute respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

We report two recent cases of tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose complicated by the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The previous literature documenting an association between TCAs and ARDS is reviewed. We propose that the respiratory complications of TCA overdose should be more widely publicised and included in national toxicology databases. © 2009 Rila Publications Ltd.