July 19, 2005Open Access
QT interval prolongation after sertraline overdose: a case report
Key Result
An overdose of 2250 mg of sertraline in a 40-year-old woman was associated with a marked prolongation of the QTc interval to 525 ms, which normalized after drug withdrawal.
Study Design
Type
Case Report (n=1)
Multicenter
No
Structured PICO
Does sertraline overdose cause QT interval prolongation?
P
Population
1 previously healthy female patient presenting after attempted suicide with overdose of sertraline, diazepam, and temazepam
I
Intervention
Sertraline overdose (2250 mg) along with diazepam (200 mg) and temazepam (400 mg)
O
Outcome
QT interval prolongationsafety
Sertraline overdose may cause significant QT interval prolongation, highlighting the need for ECG monitoring in such cases.
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 525% vs 420%
Limitations
- Findings are limited to a single case report.
- No rechallenge with a high dosage of sertraline was performed due to ethical reasons.
- Only one blood sample was taken to assess the plasma concentration of sertraline.
- The patient co-ingested other psychoactive drugs (temazepam and diazepam) which could potentially influence the QT interval.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common antidepressants used in first-world countries and are generally well tolerated. Specifically, less cardiovascular toxicity has been reported in comparison with tricyclic antidepressants. Here we report QT interval prolongation after an overdose of the SSRI sertraline. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy female patient presented with an attempted suicide with overdoses sertraline (2250 mg), diazepam (200 mg), and temazepam (400 mg). Routine laboratory studies were normal and her ECG upon admission showed a normal QT interval. The next day, her ECG showed prolongation of the QTc interval up to 525 ms. After discontinuation of sertraline the QT interval normalized. Echocardiography and exercise electrocardiography were normal. After hospitalization, the patient resumed sertraline in the normally recommended dose and QT interval remained within normal ranges. CONCLUSION: It seems that the SSRI sertraline in overdose may cause QT interval prolongation.
Cite This Study
Boer et al. (Tue,) conducted a case report in Sertraline overdose (n=1). Sertraline was evaluated on QTc interval. An overdose of 2250 mg of sertraline in a 40-year-old woman was associated with a marked prolongation of the QTc interval to 525 ms, which normalized after drug withdrawal.