An overdose of Parstelin

Hyperpyrexia following psychotropic drug overdose

A case of overdose of tricyclic antidepressants associated with severe pyrexia is reported in a patient taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and its management described. The similarities to and differences from the malignant hyperpyrexia syndrome are discussed.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitor overdose

Described is the clinical course of a 26-year-old woman who died following an overdose of the MAO inhibitor phenelzine. Signs and symptoms of toxicity were delayed in onset. Initial findings of excessive neuromuscular activity were followed by severe hyperthermia, coma, cardiovascular collapse, acute renal failure, hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. A review of the literature suggests that these features are not unusual following MAO inhibitor overdosage. The pathophysiology and management of MAO inhibitor poisoning are discussed.

Tranylcypromine ('Parnate') overdose: measurement of tranylcypromine concentrations and MAO inhibitory activity and identification of amphetamines in plasma

A case of tranylcypromine overdose is reported. Tranylcypromine, amphetamine methamphetamine and phenylethylamine were detected in the plasma by gas chromatography and their identity confirmed by mass spectrometry. The data suggested that the amphetamines were metabolic products of tranylcypromine. Platelet monoamine oxidase activity was more than 95% inhibited during the 72 h after the overdose despite complete clinical recovery by that time. The possible role of amphetamines and phenylethylamine in causing the clinical manifestations of tranylcypromine overdose is discussed.