Misleading tricyclic antidepressant findings in cases of diphenhydramine overdose: analysis of two instances and a review of existing literature - Takeaways - MDSpire

Misleading tricyclic antidepressant findings in cases of diphenhydramine overdose: analysis of two instances and a review of existing literature

  • By

  • Ryuichi Ito

  • Satoko Kobayashi

  • Hiroshi Terashima

  • Takaya Hanawa

  • Akiko Kinumaki

  • Shoichiro Kanda

  • Satoko Otsuka

  • Asuka Kaizaki-Mitsumoto

  • Satoshi Numazawa

  • Yutaka Harita

  • January 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Diphenhydramine (DPH) overdoses are increasingly common among adolescents in Japan, contributing to significant health concerns.

  • 2

    Urine drug screening kits in Japan do not test for DPH, leading to potential misdiagnosis in cases of overdose.

  • 3

    Two cases of DPH overdose resulted in false-positive tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) results, complicating diagnosis.

  • 4

    Both patients experienced severe symptoms including altered consciousness and seizures, necessitating intensive medical care.

  • 5

    The study highlights the need for improved drug screening methods to accurately identify DPH in overdose cases.

Original Source(s)

Misleading tricyclic antidepressant findings in cases of diphenhydramine overdose: analysis of two instances and a review of existing literature

  • by Ryuichi Ito, Satoko Kobayashi, Hiroshi Terashima, Takaya Hanawa, Akiko Kinumaki, Shoichiro Kanda, Satoko Otsuka, Asuka Kaizaki-Mitsumoto, Satoshi Numazawa, Yutaka Harita

  • January 9, 2026

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