This is poisoning from taking an excessive amount of a drug that contains both amitriptyline and perphenazine. The medicine is sometimes prescribed for patients with depression, agitation, or anxiety.

See also: Amitriptyline overdose

Amitriptyline and perphenazine

• Etrafon
• PMS-Levazine
• Triavil
• Triptazine

Bladder and kidneys

• Urinary hesitancy
• Can not completely empty the bladder

Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth

• Blurred vision
• Enlarged pupils
• Nasal congestion
• Unpleasant taste
• Excessive salivation

Lungs

• Breathing - slowed and labored

Gastrointestinal

• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Heart and blood

• Irregular heartbeat
• Heartbeat- rapid
• Low blood pressure (severe)
• Shock

Muscles and joints

• Stiff muscles in neck, face, or back
• Muscle rigidity
• Muscle spasms

Nervous system

• Agitation
• Coma
• Convulsions
• Disorientation
• Drowsiness
• Restlessness
• Seizures
• Stupor (lack of alertness)
• Uncoordinated movement
• Tremor
• Weakness

Reproductive system

• Change in menstrual patterns

Skin

• Itchy skin
• Rash

Whole body

• Fever
• Hypothermia (body temperature is lower than normal)

Determine the following information:

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

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 U.S. 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 National Poison Control center.

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

• Fluids
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Medicines to make the person throw up
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
• Breathing help, possible artificial respiration

How well a patient does depends on how much of the drug was swallowed and how quickly medical treatment was received. The faster a patient receives therapy, the better the chance for recovery. 

Survival past 2 weeks is usually a good sign.