Final answer:
The most frequent cause of death following a TCA overdose is cardiac arrest, often due to ventricular tachycardia or severe metabolic acidosis caused by the overdose.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Most Frequent Cause of Death Following TCA Overdose
The most frequent cause of death following a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose is typically due to cardiac arrest. Overdosing on this class of medications can lead to severe disturbances in cardiac rhythm such as ventricular tachycardia, which can progress to more serious conditions, eventually causing the heart to stop. Along with cardiac toxicity, TCAs can cause severe metabolic acidosis, which is a condition where the body produces too much acid, or the kidneys cannot remove enough acid from the body. Moreover, TCAs have an anticholinergic effect that can lead to central nervous system depression, seizures, and coma. These effects, individually or combined, can be life-threatening and are the main contributors to the high fatality rates associated with TCA overdoses.
Patients who overdose on TCAs may exhibit symptoms such as confusion, nausea, seizures, and possibly a gasping for air. In severe cases, individuals may experience blurred vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing and breathing, all of which can be signs preceding death. Immediate medical attention is critical for anyone suspected of having a TCA overdose to manage these life-threatening complications.