Overdose Amitriptyline, Valium, Co-codamal, Paracetamol. Liver Damage, Death?

Posted on Mon, 21 May 2012

Question: Nearly 48 hours ago, I took an overdose of a mixture of amitriptyline (about 6), valium (8) and 28 cocodamol 30/500. Unbelievably I woke up. Since it is too late to take the antidote for the paracetamol, what do you think my chances of dying or surviving are - presumably I will definitely have liver damage.

Answered by Dr. Rajinder Bajoria (2 hours later)

Hi

Thanks for your query.

As you are suffering from depression and you have taken overdose of cocodamol which contains codeine phosphate and paracetamol both.

Maximum permissible dose of paracetamol is 1000mg, 6 hourly. As you has consumed very high dose, which is harmful to liver. But it is never too late to start antidote or treatment for the overdose. So get immediate health help & start treatment.

Get immediately investigated for liver damage already done, take preventive measure to prevent further damage. If properly, aggressively treated, chances of survival are there.

Side effects of amitriptyline & Valium are not much (common side effects of amitriptyline are weight gain, changes in appetite, muscle stiffness, nausea, constipation, nervousness, dizziness, blurred vision, urinary retention, insomnia and changes in sexual function)

Side effects of Valium are seen in elderly are confusion, amnesia, ataxia and hangover effects. So start treatment without wasting time & without expecting any guarantee.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Wish you Good Health and speedy recovery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rajinder Bajoria (4 hours later)

I cannot attend a hospital. What is the likelihood that I will suffer liver damage? I am not suffering any ill effects at the moment, other than tiredness. If I do not seek treatment, is irreparable liver damage a certainty?

Answered by Dr. Rajinder Bajoria (48 minutes later)

Hi

Thanks for you query

I don't under stand what prevents you from attending the hospital. In my opinion hospital admission is must. You not showing much sign & symptoms at present in not a guarantee your liver will remain normal or no damage will occur.

If you have truly taken 28 cocodamol tablets (i.e. 14 grams of paracetamol) you are sure land up with in ER with Acute Liver Failure / Hepatic Encephalopathy and possibly death.

So I urge you immediately go to an hospital at get treatment. So that your chances of survival improves drastically.

I will sharing you the following details who can help you
1. NHS Direct - 0845 4647
2. NPIS - 0844 892 0111

Regards

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar