Management of ventricular dysrhythmia secondary to trazodone overdose

Torsades de Pointe Associated with Trazodone Consumption

Introduction

Trazodone is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor commonly used to treat major depression disorder (MDD), anxiety, and sleep disorders. It is considered safe for the heart due to minimal anticholinergic effects. Prolonged QT intervals can cause polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, known as torsades de pointe (TdP). We present a case of a 67-year-old female with a history of MDD who developed trazodone-induced TdP. Case Presentation. The patient was referred to a tertiary hospital with a ten-hour history of nausea and vomiting. Trazodone (50 mg daily) was started for her six days ago due to her past medical history of MDD. The initial electrocardiography (ECG) revealed a prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc = 586 ms) due to a long ST segment and generalized T wave inversion. A few moments after admission to the intensive care unit, she suddenly lost consciousness. ECG monitoring showed a TdP, which terminated immediately with the asynchronous defibrillation. A temporary pacemaker was implanted due to repeated arrhythmias and bradycardia. Arrhythmia did not recur for hours and days later. After four days of stopping trazodone, all abnormal ECG findings were resolved, and she was discharged with a normal ECG. She was followed up six months later; the ECG was normal, and she had no complaints.

Conclusion

Trazodone may lead to QTc prolongation and TdP, potentially fatal even without risk factors for QTc prolongation. Close monitoring is essential to prevent adverse complications in trazodone users.

Adverse effects of trazodone in dogs on primary hemostasis and electrocardiogram: A single-blinded placebo-controlled crossover study

BACKGROUND

Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor medication commonly used for anxiety in dogs. Therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in humans is associated with bleeding disorders and increased arrhythmogenesis.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To evaluate markers of primary hemostasis and corrected QT (cQT) interval in dogs before and after oral administration of standard dosages of trazodone or placebo.

ANIMALS

Fifteen apparently healthy, client-owned dogs.

METHODS

A single-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled crossover study was performed. Dogs were administered trazodone (5 to 7.5 mg/kg PO Q12h) or placebo. [Correction added after first online publication on 14 October 2023. In the abstract (methods) section (57.5 mg/kg PO Q12h) changed as (5 to 7.5 mg/kg PO Q12h).] Buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), platelet count, platelet aggregation via Plateletworks, PFA-100 closure time and cQT interval were measured. A Shapiro-Wilk test was performed followed by either a paired t test or a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

No significant difference was detected in the BMBT, PFA-100 closure times, platelet counts, and cQT interval between trazodone or placebo. However, using Plateletworks, there was a significant decrease in platelet aggregation after administration of trazodone (95%; 81-97 vs 62%; 39-89, P = .002) and not placebo (95%; 81-97 vs 91%; 81-96, P = .21).

CONCLUSIONS

It is unknown if this represents a clinically relevant change or if dogs with preexisting impairment in primary hemostasis or receiving higher dosages or longer durations of trazodone could have a more substantial change in hemostatic variables.

Suspected hepatotoxicity secondary to trazodone therapy in a dog

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of suspected hepatotoxicity in a dog secondary to administration of trazodone.

CASE SUMMARY

A 6-year-old, neutered, mixed breed dog was evaluated for a progressive increased liver enzyme activity over a 6-week period. The patient originally presented for raisin toxicosis, and hence, was having serial blood work monitoring performed. Trazodone was initially started at that time due to severe separation anxiety while hospitalized (consistently 5 out of 7 days of the week, for a 6-week duration). Due to continued increased liver enzyme activity, extensive workup was performed which included abdominal ultrasound, leptospirosis titers, bile acids, and liver biopsies. Histopathologic findings were consistent with acute hepatotoxicity. In the absence of other toxicants and the close proximity to drug administration, a drug-induced hepatopathy secondary to trazodone was presumed. Following discontinuation of trazodone therapy, the hepatopathy completely resolved and the patient fully recovered.

NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED

While acute hepatotoxicity has been reported in human medicine secondary to the administration of trazodone, this is the first reported case of suspected hepatotoxicity in a dog secondary to trazodone therapy. Veterinary professionals should be aware of the rare potential adverse effect that may be seen in canine patients secondary to trazodone therapy. Appropriate clinicopathologic monitoring should occur in patients on chronic trazodone therapy.

A Case of Trazodone Overdose Successfully Rescued With Lipid Emulsion Therapy

Trazodone is a very common medication prescribed to patients who suffer from insomnia. The toxic effects of trazodone remain ill-defined with no current known antidote therapy. Lipid emulsion therapy has been described as general rescue therapy in toxicology. Unfortunately, only select substance overdoses respond to lipid emulsion therapy. The authors present a unique application of lipid emulsion therapy in a post-cardiac arrest situation involving a trazodone overdose.

Coma Reversal After Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Therapy in a Trazodone-Poisoned Patient

A 77-year-old woman developed a deep coma (Glasgow Coma Scale score at 3/15) after a trazodone overdose (maximal ingested dose, 4500 mg), and orotracheal intubation was required for mechanical ventilation. In addition, she presented sinus bradycardia (<40/min) with QTc prolongation, whereas arterial blood pressure was preserved. The administration of intravenous lipid emulsion (1.5 mL/kg as a bolus followed by a continuous infusion of 0.5 mL/kg per minute for 30 minutes) resulted in a rapid improvement of her neurological condition, with a Glasgow Coma Scale score rising from 3 to 10/15 at the end of intravenous lipid emulsion infusion. A significant increase in heart rate (from 39 to 54/min) was also observed. The treatment was well tolerated, and the patient did not experience ventricular dysrhythmias. In addition, the patient was found to have a reduced metabolic activity related to cytochrome P450 2D6 polymorphism.

Arrhythmias in Severe Trazodone Overdose

BACKGROUND Trazodone is widely used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It is thought to have a safe cardiac profile due to the relative lack of anticholinergic effects. Publications about cardiac toxicities of trazodone are scant. CASE REPORT A 55-year-old woman presented with acute disorder of consciousness secondary to an intentional trazodone overdose. She was found to have seizure activity without cerebral edema. The initial electrocardiogram was unremarkable, with a normal QTc interval. She eventually developed QTc prolongation that evolved into ventricular tachycardia, and then into a transient right bundle-branch block, left anterior fascicular block, and variable degrees of atrioventricular nodal blocks at 12-24 h after ingestion. She then developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures, cardiogenic shock, and respiratory arrest. She was intubated and treated with antiepileptics, norepinephrine, and dopamine infusion. QTc interval prolongation gradually resolved and the various forms of heart block did not recur after at 24-36 h. She did not require transcutaneous pacing, and was successfully extubated with intact neurological function. CONCLUSIONS Fatal arrhythmias can occur in trazodone overdose. Close monitoring and supportive care are crucial for patient survival.

Management of Trazodone Overdose with Severe Hypotension

Trazodone is a medication that possesses antidepressant, anxiolytic, and hypnotic properties. Its mechanism of action includes blockade of serotonin type 2 receptors, weak inhibition of serotonin reuptake, blockade of histamine 1 receptors, and blockade of alpha-1-adrenergic receptors. We present a case of intentional ingestion of an estimated 2500 mg of trazodone leading to persistent hypotension, requiring aggressive fluid resuscitation, pressor support, and intensive care unit admission. Complications associated with trazodone overdoses are significant and clinicians should be aware of the associated symptoms and necessary management plans necessary for such ingestions.

Unintentional trazodone overdoses in children ≤6 years of age: data from poison center over a period of 16 years

CONTEXT

Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant with no established safety in children. Previous case reports showed no complications at doses 50-500 mg in children. Our study objective is to characterize the clinical effects, dose-related toxicity, and establish triage dose for acute trazodone ingestions in children ≤6 years of age.

METHODS

Cases with acute trazodone ingestions in children ≤6 years of age between 2000 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were analyzed for dose (mg/kg), clinical effects, management site, treatment, and outcome. Cases with coingestions, unknown outcome, or unknown dose were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 84 patients (mean age 26.7 months, 35 females, 49 males) were included. Of those, 52 (61.9%) had no clinical effects; 29 (34.5%) had minor effects (vomiting, dizziness, headache); and three (3.6%) had moderate effects (ataxia, slurred speech, priapism). No major effects or deaths were observed. Moderate effects were manifested at doses ≥6.9 mg/kg. Priapism occurred in a 2-year-old child at a dose of 6.9 mg/kg. Sixteen (19%) patients were managed at home and 68 (81%) patients were referred to a HCF. Among those referred to a HCF, three (4.4%) patients had moderate effects with ingested dose ≥6.9 mg/kg. However, 27 (39.7%) patients of those referred to a HCF had an ingested dose <6 mg/kg and none of them manifested symptoms beyond minor effects. All referred patients had uneventful recovery and no sequela.

CONCLUSIONS

Children should be referred for further evaluation in acute unintentional trazodone ingestions with doses ≥6 mg/kg.

Assessment of trazodone-induced cardiotoxicity after repeated doses in rats

Trazodone (TRZ) is an antidepressant drug commonly used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Although some studies demonstrated the adverse effects of TRZ related to cardiovascular system, the conflicting results were observed in these studies. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the cardiac adverse effects of TRZ in rats at repeated doses in our study. In accordance with this purpose, TRZ was administered orally to rats at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg doses for 28 days. Electrocardiogram records, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-myoglobin band, cardiac troponin-T (cTn-T) levels, DNA damage in cardiomyocytes, and histologic view of heart tissues were evaluated. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured to determine the oxidative status of cardiac tissue after TRZ administration. Heart rate was decreased, PR interval was prolonged, and QRS and T amplitudes were decreased in 20 mg/kg TRZ-administered group compared to the control group. Serum AST and cTn-T levels were significantly increased in 10 and 20 mg/kg TRZ-administered rats with respect to control rats. DNA damage was significantly increased in these groups. Additionally, degenerative histopathologic findings were observed in TRZ-administered groups. Although there was no difference in MDA levels between groups, GSH levels were significantly decreased in 10 and 20 mg/kg TRZ-administered groups compared to the control group. Our results have shown that TRZ induced cardiotoxicity in rats dose-dependently. It is assumed that oxidative stress related to GSH depletion may be accompanied by these adverse effects.

[Drug-induced QT interval prolongation: do we know the risks?]

Sudden cardiac death is an important cause of mortality in developed countries, most of them being consequence of acute ventricular arrhythmias. These arrhythmias, in some cases, owe to QT interval prolongation. A major risk factor for this condition is the use of drugs that prolong the QT interval. In fact, in recent years, one of the most common reasons for drug withdrawal or usage restrictions has been drug induced QT interval prolongation that involves both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular drugs. Taking into account the severity that the occurrence of such an event may have, it is important for clinicians to know the risks of these drugs in certain patients. In this review we analyze the drugs that prolong the QT interval, the risk factors that can enhance QT prolongation and the drug interactions that can increase these risks.

Ventricular dysrhythmias associated with poisoning and drug overdose: a 10-year review of statewide poison control center data from California

BACKGROUND

Ventricular dysrhythmias are a serious consequence associated with drug overdose and chemical poisoning. The risk factors for the type of ventricular dysrhythmia and the outcomes by drug class are not well documented.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the most common drugs and chemicals associated with ventricular dysrhythmias and their outcomes.

METHODS

We reviewed all human exposures reported to a statewide poison control system between 2002 and 2011 that had a documented ventricular dysrhythmia. Cases were differentiated into two groups by type of arrhythmia: (1) ventricular fibrillation and/or tachycardia (VT/VF); and (2) torsade de pointes (TdP).

RESULTS

Among the 300 potential cases identified, 148 cases met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 132 cases (89%) experienced an episode of VT or VF, while the remaining 16 cases (11%) had an episode of TdP. The most commonly involved therapeutic classes of drugs associated with VT/VF were antidepressants (33/132, 25%), stimulants (33/132, 25%), and diphenhydramine (16/132, 12.1%). Those associated with TdP were antidepressants (4/16, 25%), methadone (4/16, 25%), and antiarrhythmics (3/16, 18.75%). Drug exposures with the greatest risk of death in association with VT/VF were antidepressant exposure [odds ratio (OR) 1.71; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.705-4.181] and antiarrhythmic exposure (OR 1.75; 95% CI 0.304-10.05), but neither association was statistically significant. Drug exposures with a statistically significant risk for TdP included methadone and antiarrhythmic drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Antidepressants and stimulants were the most common drugs associated with ventricular dysrhythmias. Patients with suspected poisonings by medications with a high risk of ventricular dysrhythmia warrant prompt ECG monitoring.

Amisulpride overdose is frequently associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes

This study aimed to describe the effects of the antipsychotic amisulpride in overdose, including the frequency of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Cases of amisulpride overdose (>1 g) were recruited from 2 state poison centers and a tertiary toxicology unit over 5 years. A 1-page clinical research form was used to collect clinical information. Copies of all electrocardiograms were obtained. Electrocardiogram parameters (QRS and QT intervals) were manually measured as previously described, and plots of QT-heart rate (HR) pairs were compared with the QT nomogram. There were 83 patients with amisulpride overdoses with a median age of 29 years (interquartile range [IQR], 23-40 years), and 42 (51%) were female. The median dose ingested was 6 g (IQR, 3-13 g, range, 1.2-120 g). The median HR was 66 beats/min (IQR, 60-81 beats/min). Bradycardia occurred in 20 cases (24%), and hypotension in 19 (23%). From 440 electrocardiograms (average of 5 per case; range, 1-15), an abnormal QT-HR pair occurred in 61 cases (73%). Torsades de pointes developed in 6 cases (7%), with doses of 4, 4.6, 18, 24, 32, and 80 g. The patient taking 32 g died after a cardiac arrest. Widened QRS did not occur except transient rate-dependent bundle-branch block in 3 cases. There were significant associations of bradycardia, hypokalemia, and hypocalcaemia, with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Central nervous system effects were uncommon with coma in 7 cases, seizures in 2, and dystonic reactions in 2. Amisulpride overdose commonly causes QT prolongation, bradycardia, and hypotension. Torsades de pointes occurred commonly enough to suggest that amisulpride is highly cardiotoxic in overdose.

A generalist's guide to treating patients with depression with an emphasis on using side effects to tailor antidepressant therapy

This review provides a guide to the primary care physician for diagnosing and managing depression. To identify relevant articles, a PubMed search (ending date parameter, October 15, 2009) was conducted using the keywords depression, antidepressants, side effects, adverse effects, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and sleep disturbance, and the reference lists of relevant articles were hand searched. This review explores the challenges in diagnosing depression that will and will not respond to antidepressants (ADs) and describes the value of 2-question screening instruments followed by in-depth questioning for positive screening results. It underscores the implications of veiled somatic presentations in which underlying depression is missed, leading to fruitless and expensive medical work-ups. Following this survey of the difficulties in diagnosing depression, the 4 options generalists have for treating a patient with depression are discussed: watchful waiting, antidepressant therapy, psychotherapy, and psychiatric referral. This review proposes that physicians, once they decide to prescribe, use AD side effects to advantage by selecting medications to minimize negative and maximize positive possibilities, thereby improving adherence. It focuses on the 3 most troubling adverse effects-sleep disturbance, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain. It provides AD-prescribing principles to assist primary care physicians in successfully managing depression and appropriately referring patients to a psychiatrist. Antidepressant therapy is not a panacea for treating patients with depression. An approach blending enlightened observation, medications, and psychotherapy often helps depressed patients recover to their former baselines.