Doxylamine succinate overdose: Slurred speech and visual hallucination

Turk J Pediatr. 2018;60(4):439-442. doi: 10.24953/turkjped.2018.04.015.

Abstract

Derinöz-Güleryüz O. Doxylamine succinate overdose: Slurred speech and visual hallucination. Turk J Pediatr 2018; 60: 439-442. Doxylamine succinate is a commonly used antihistamine for respiratory allergies including allergic rhinitis as well as for the management of insomnia. As it is available over-the-counter like other nonprescription antihistamines and sleep aids, there is a risk of overdose. It is believed that doxylamine succinate has both peripheral and central activity with its anticholinergic properties. Delirium, seizures, and coma are among the central adverse effects that are rare. This case was presented since it is the first case in the literature who developed slurred speech and visual hallucination after high dose doxylamine succinate use and received antidotal therapy for anticholinergic side effects.

Keywords: doxylamine; overdose; slurred speech; visual hallucination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Doxylamine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Doxylamine / poisoning
  • Drug Overdose / complications*
  • Drug Overdose / diagnosis
  • Drug Overdose / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / chemically induced*
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Physostigmine / therapeutic use
  • Speech
  • Speech Disorders / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists
  • Doxylamine
  • Physostigmine
  • doxylamine succinate