Do Not Do Recommendation
When prescribing drugs for associated mental health conditions to people who
self-harm, take into account the toxicity of the prescribed drugs in overdose.
For example, when considering antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be preferred because they are less toxic than other
classes of antidepressants. In particular, do not use tricyclic antidepressants, such as dosulepin, because they are more toxic.
Do Not Do Recommendation Details
- Recommendation:
- When prescribing drugs for associated mental health conditions to people who self-harm, take into account the toxicity of the prescribed drugs in overdose. For example, when considering antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be preferred because they are less toxic than other classes of antidepressants. In particular, do not use tricyclic antidepressants, such as dosulepin, because they are more toxic.
- Interventions:
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Source guidance details
- Guidance:
- Self harm (longer term management) (CG133)
- Published date:
- November 2011
- Paragraph number:
- 1.5.2
- Page number:
- 26
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