Vasopressin treatment for cyclic antidepressant overdose.

Due to neurotransmitter reuptake inhibition, peripheral alpha receptor blocking effects, and sodium channel blockade, severe cyclic antidepressant poisoning may lead to intractable hypotension. We report a case of severe amitriptyline toxicity, with hypotension unresponsive to direct alpha receptor agonists after pH manipulation, but improved with intravenous vasopressin. Vasopressin use in the setting of cyclic antidepressant toxicity has not been previously reported.