Doxylamine overdose (unisom overdose)
About Doxylamine overdose (unisom overdose)
Doxylamine is an antihistamine and causes an anti-cholinergic syndrome after an overdose. The overdose can be accidental or deliberate. Patients exhibit confusion, blurry vision, fast heart rates, and dry hot skin and seizures.Symptoms
Red as a beet (red skin), dry as a bone (the skin is dry), blind as a bat (inability to accommodate the eyes causing blurry vision), mad as a hatter (patients are confused), hot as a hare (fever), seizing like a squirrel (seizures), fast heart rate, tremors, jerking motions, agitation.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests will be performed to rule out other ingestions or other causes of the signs and symptoms.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG.
Conventional treatment summary
The patient is supported with supplemental oxygen and intravenous fluids. Gastric lavage (`pumping the stomach`) and treatment with activated charcoal may be recommended. Sedation with benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan) is sometimes necessary. Severe intoxications may require a breathing tube. If the symptoms are severe physostigmine may be administered. (For more information and help call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222).Medical specialties
Medical Toxicology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Doxylamine overdose (unisom overdose).