Observation and patient disposition after SSRI poisoning

Admit patients with serotonergic toxidrome due to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) poisoning to a critical care unit.

For most SSRI poisonings, discharge the patient if they remain asymptomatic for at least 6 hours after ingestion.

Patients who have ingested more than 600 mg of citalopram or 300 mg of escitalopram can be discharged if they remain asymptomatic for at least 12 hours after ingestion and have a normal QT interval.

Sedative drugs can continue to cause significant cognitive impairment for several days following exposure. Advise patients not to drive or operate machinery for at least 3 days after discharge.