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. 2005 Jul 19:5:5.
doi: 10.1186/1471-227X-5-5.

QT interval prolongation after sertraline overdose: a case report

Rudolf A de Boer  1 , Tonnis H van Dijk, Nicole D Holman, Joost P van Melle
Affiliations

QT interval prolongation after sertraline overdose: a case report

Rudolf A de Boer et al. BMC Emerg Med. .

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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
ECGs of the patient. ECG of the patient upon admission (upper panel) shows a normal sinus rhythm with a QT interval in lead V2 of 370 ms (QTc 420 ms). There were negative T-waves in leads V1–V3. A second ECG was obtained one day after admission (lower panel) shows a markedly prolonged QT interval of 520 ms in V2 (QTc 525 ms).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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