Which statement is NOT typical of a Tricyclic Antidepressant overdose?

Which statement is NOT typical of a Tricyclic Antidepressant overdose?

• A. Decreased LOC
• B. Seizures
• C. Cardiac dysrhythmia
• D. Hyperactivity

Answer: (D)

Overdose from tricyclic antidepressants typically depresses the central nervous system and disrupts cardiac conduction. You’ll expect signs like decreased level of consciousness, possible seizures, and cardiac dysrhythmias due to the drug’s effects on brain function and on myocardial sodium channels. Hyperactivity is not aligned with this pattern; TCAs tend to calm or sedate and can worsen with agitation only in a delirious or confused state, not as a classic feature. So the statement describing hyperactivity does not fit the usual presentation of a TCA overdose, whereas decreased LOC, seizures, and cardiac dysrhythmias are all common and expected findings.

Overdose from tricyclic antidepressants typically depresses the central nervous system and disrupts cardiac conduction. You’ll expect signs like decreased level of consciousness, possible seizures, and cardiac dysrhythmias due to the drug’s effects on brain function and on myocardial sodium channels. Hyperactivity is not aligned with this pattern; TCAs tend to calm or sedate and can worsen with agitation only in a delirious or confused state, not as a classic feature. So the statement describing hyperactivity does not fit the usual presentation of a TCA overdose, whereas decreased LOC, seizures, and cardiac dysrhythmias are all common and expected findings.