epinephrine overdose long term effects : EPINEPHRINE (Injection) (Kit)

epinephrine overdose long term effects

By joseph from Orlando, FL on September 26, 2006
Category: EPINEPHRINE (Injection) (Kit)

I am a 38yo male that was accidentally given an IV push injection of epinephrine after a bee sting.possibly 1mg of 1:1000. I have had a multiple of health issues since this episode including severe hypertension and some kidney problems.I have searched online and I can only find overdose reaction to epi but nothing on long term effects or specific injuries to look for.I am currently on 2 meds to control hypertension and a potassium sparing diaretic to control hypokalemia.I never had any hypertension issues nor a family history of such. I do have a smaller left kidney but never had any issues with it untill now. It has been nearly 3 months and none of my doctors seem to know why I am having all these issues. There is no clinical data on this happening. Any help in this matter would be most appreciated, my problems have been worsening. Thanks

Mrs.

I had a iv overdose ( 10x's to much @ hospital for reaction to perfume) at the age of 29.......The problems it left me with was 32% left vehntricle function....I seen over 5 different cardio. dr.'s...Each one of course had something different to say....I've been on 3 different meds for it....It has been upand down over the years with my heart function...but i finally found a cardio..dr..that didn't hold anything back from what kind of damagae it has done....They say its like having a heart attack...and when a person has a normal for say heart attack..they have scarring left on there heart . As the same with the epi overdose...now i have scarring on the back side of my heart that effects the left ventrincle function....He also said anytime you get sick like the flu...or any major sickness..your heart function will decrease........so i go every 6 months for echo's and been going for about 8 yrs....my function goes up and down....Now my kidneys and other problems developed over the last couple yrs.......with no family history.....To me its seems that things are just getting worse over the yrs....I am now 37 yrs old.

By Marie Allen from atlanta, ga. on September 08, 2008 | Reply |

Epinepherine overdose

I recently had an epinephrine overdose (1mg, 1/1000 iv push) also. I suffered a Myocardial Infarction (heart attack), a seizure, pulmonary edema, low potassium, ect.
I have not been the same since. Doctors don't have answers simply because they have not seen a case like mine and they themselves don't know.
I was wondering how you are doing since time has passed.

By rose from NY on July 11, 2010 | Reply |

Accidental IV push of Epinephrine after anaphylaxis

I went to the ER with a reaction to my nut allergy. The nurse erroneously pushed Epinephrine into my IV rather than injecting into my thigh muscle. This caused a Heart Attack. It is now one week later and i am still suffering from shortness of breath, chest pain, head pain, dizziness and FEAR! Can you please tell me how quickly this goes away or if you found a physician with knowledge of the long term effects?

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, IA on September 06, 2010 | Reply |

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

Kendra...I would love to chat. Unfortunately there is not much information out there for us, and what is, is very scary. I am going to research your name and try to message you privately. Good luck, and be well.

By rose from NY on October 03, 2010 | Reply |

Epi Overdose

You may communicate with me throught my email address above; kjchapman@wrighttree.com.

I went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN because my Nuerologist here did not understand why my brain vessels were constricted and continuing to spasm after one day let alone weeks.

My Nuero in Rochester diagnosed me with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS). After several weeks my vessels have returned almost to normal, although I still suffer from moderate to severe head pressure. Head pain accompanies the head pressure if I am too active. My Nuero expects this to last 3 - 4 months.

I'd love to hear from you.

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on October 24, 2010 | Reply |

epi o.d. as well

Hello, the same thing just happened to me in the emergency room. Nut allergy with epinephrine in the i.v. instead of intra-muscular causing a heart attack. I had no history of heart disease and usually have low blood pressure. They rushed me to have a heart cath and my heart is clear or "pristine" as they said. The middle of my heart is not squeezing correctly and they put me on metoprolol, zocor and 325 mg of aspirin per day. They say my heart may heal, that it has been stunned. I hope this is the case. I just turned 48 on Tuesday. I do not feel well at all. The meds don't agree with me but am taking them to try to let my heart repair. Very scary situation. May sue the hospital. Not sure yet. The doctor actually told me they made a mistake and essentially game me a stress test and I failed. Guess he was banking on me having a blocked heart/arteries. Not so. Would love to talk to anyone else who has gone thru this horrendous and rare situation. Thanks and hope you are all well.

By margie from dayton, ohio on January 27, 2011 | Reply |

Ep

I would like to talk to you. My direct dial at work is 515-271-1108. I am here now and plan to be until 5:30 Central time. If you give me your number I could call.

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on January 27, 2011 | Reply |

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

Hi Kendra, I emailed you when you posted your address but it came back to me with an invalid message. Now that your phone number is posted you will definitely hear from me during the week! I hope your doing well.
It makes me sick to come back here to see another post. One second changed everything....if I could only turn back time!
I'll be in touch...
R

By rose from ny on January 30, 2011 | Reply |

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

Such a horrible, scary thing to happen. Sorry to see another post because of a stupid mistake. So sad...

By rose from ny on January 30, 2011 | Reply |

Epi Overdose happened to me

I was accidentally given 10x the amount of epi in the emergency room for anaphalaxis two weeks ago. The nurse pushed the IM dose in my IV. I experienced a migraine for 6 days afterwards. I have had EKG's, a stress test, and a C.T. scan. My results from these tests were good. However I am still experiencing anxiety, which I've never had trouble with before. Also I still have a tightness and pressure in the left side of my chest two weeks later. I do not know if this is from anxiety or if there could be something wrong with my heart. My doctors are saying that epinephrine does not have any long term side effects. However I do not trust that they know of any overdose cases. Can anyone offer me any advice? My email is janelizabethjoy@hotmail.com

By Jane from NL, Canada on March 24, 2011 | Reply |

BTW I am a 28 yo female

Just wanted to add my age

By Jane from NL, Canada on March 24, 2011 | Reply |

Long-term Effects of Epinephrine Overdose

I am an attorney. I have a client who was inadvertently given a severe overdose of Epinephrine. Six months after the event, my client suffers from severe anxiety, incontinence, etc., etc.. I have done some research, and it appears that the long-term effects of an overdose of Epinephrine occur as a result of the damage done to the body during the overdose event. The overdose places severe stresses on muscles, organs, brain (high blood pressure), etc. which cause permanent damage to the body. Once the Epinephrine wears off, the body damage remains -- causing long-term effects.

By Richard Hutchins from St. George, Utah on April 03, 2011 | Reply |

Long-term Effects of Epinephrine Overdose

Epinephrine Overdose

Rose,

I would love to hear from you. My number is 515-710-6075.

By Kendra Julie Chapman from Des Moines, Iowa on April 06, 2011 | Reply |

Epinephrine Overdose

Could I contact you directly?

By Kendra Julie Chapman from Des Moines, Iowa on April 06, 2011 | Reply |

epinephrine overdose 5mg iv - long term effects

finally finding others experiencing the same effects.
5 years ago I was in the hospital to give birth to my son. by mistake the doctor gave me 5mg of epinephrine (instead of ephedrine - because my blood pressure was a little low after the epidural).
blood pressure went up to 300, heart rate could not be measured by the machine because it was to high. there was so much pressure in my brain, I felt like my head would explode. I lost my sight, but still could speak, and a little later I passed out.
I gladly survived, and so did my baby. the doctors said I had survived because of my good condition, healthy body with strong veins. ever since, my body did not feel healthy and in good condition.
I had spasms, memory loss, concentration problems, my digestion was (still is) confused. the muscles in my body have difficulties t relax, it's like the system is constantly alert to a new 'attack'; like the adrenalin system is not working correct.

medical doctors say there is no problem, they say the adrenaline is leaving the body quickly so. that can be true, but after being p you can be hurt for a long time, even though the punch happened in a second. there is no medical literature about the long term effects of an overdose, and as it seems to me now, there never will be cause there is no doctor who is trying to find out more about the effects that people experience after an overdose.
time for a change!

my life has changed so much after this incident. in the beginning I was exhausted, confused, aphasia, spasms, my body was in total shock. over the years I felt a little better. 4 months ago I found a physiotherapist who is helping me and explained about the effects of stress (which is an overdose of epinephrine) to the human body, the nerve system and muscles.

thank you all for posting! I hope in this way we can help each other after we had similar experiences after the epinephrine accidents. in The Netherlands there seems to be no one

Lucia

By Lucia from Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 21, 2011 | Reply |

request to Richard Hutchins / epinephrine overdose effects

dear Richard,
could you please inform me about your research on the long-term effects of an overdose of Epinephrine. did you find any (medical) literature about it?
after the overdose I experienced severe stresses on muscles, organs, brain (high blood pressure), etc., and I now know, after 5 years, it caused a severe hormonal disbalance.
medical doctors in the hospital are not really helpful finding out about the effects to my body... I like to find out if there is something I can do to change my state of being.

if there is anyone who can help me to find out about the effects of the epinephrine overdose... I would be so grateful :)

best regards,
Lucia

By Lucia from Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 22, 2011 | Reply |

Response to Mr. Hutchins

I responded to your post on Free Legal Advise and tried to give you some contact information. I left it as a private message on the site's account. Please check your account. Im interested in the case involving your client and would like to communicate further about this topic. Thanks.

By Andrew from Virginia on April 22, 2011 | Reply |

EPI OD

WOW 5 years later you're still having problems. Did you have a heart attack? If so, did you suffer permanent damage? I am at the point where I don't feel i'll get any better than I am right now. It has been eight months for me.

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on April 27, 2011 | Reply |

epinephrine /reply

most probably I had I heart attack and micro hemorrhages in my brain.
one of the veins in my heart was damaged, but after a few months that was fixed
the doctors were just glad I survived this overdose, and they send me home after a few days. they said they didn't know a thing about the consequences of the amount of epinephrine I was administered. so I started my tour of trying to feel better, because it turned my whole world upside down!!
how I feel now is that my hormonal balance was disturbed terribly because of the 5mg epinephrine. my pancreas & adrenal glands seem to be stressed out. and hospital doctors do not seem to know about hormonal disbalance..

By Lucia from Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 28, 2011 | Reply |

epinephrine /reply

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

All I know is, this isn't fair, what happened to all of us!!

By m from dayton, ohio on May 06, 2011 | Reply |

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

Have you developed diabetes?

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on May 10, 2011 | Reply |

Epinephrine Overdose Long Term Effects

Was taken to the hospital by ambulance for possible allergic reaction to
Medication. Once there I was given some meds and had IV's put in. Went into anaphylaxis and was given an Epinephrine shot. Immediately had my heart go uncontrollable and felt like my brain was exploding. Felt like a very hot sensation going up my neck into my brain through my nervous system. I was taken in for a cat scan and chest x-ray which they said was fine. I have not felt the same ever since and still get very bad head aches and blood pressure rises and heart rate go up when I try to do physical activities. I had some high blood pressure but had a stress test done and asked why I was not out running a 5K prior to the ER visit. It seems like my vision has changed as well. I had another attack and was rushed to the emergency room again. This time they did not give me an Epinephrine shot but other drugs to counter the effects of my heart racing and felling of swelling in my throat. Do you think it was possible that I was given too much Epinephrine during the first visit to the ER? It has been almost two months and my blood pressure is still high and my heart rate is very high. The doctors say this can not be treated. I have continuous pressure in my head and ringing in my ears. I have not felt the same since this happened to me. How can I obtain my medical records from the ER to see is I was given too much Epinephrine through the IV? What I would really like is to feel the way I did before the ER visit. I feel like there was a mistake during the procedure and I have no recourse to find out what really happened to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. What makes it worse for me is that I have a large port wine stain which I have millions of blood vessels in that area of my face, neck and back of my head.

Thank You
Toni Holland-Renton WA.

By Toni Holland from Renton wa. on May 12, 2011 | Reply |

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

is there a way to send private messages?

By Rose on May 15, 2011 | Reply |

Long-term Effects of Epinephrine Overdose

My client had an epinephrine overdose in the ER over a year ago. Extreme initial reaction -- muscle rigidity, chest pain, headache, heart rate 200+, blood pressure 300+. Now, after a year, she still has headaches, chest pain, extreme anxiety, fecal incontinence, and memory loss. I am trying to find a medical expert who can explain these on-going symptoms. The best information I can find is that the overdose caused damage to the tissues in several organs (bowel, etc.), and this is the reason she has on-going problems. It seems reasonable; however, I am still looking for a medical expert who understands this.
Richard Hutchins, Attorney, St. George, Utah: 435-674-9000.

By Richard Hutchins from St. George, Utah on May 26, 2011 | Reply |

Possible diagnosis for EPI Overdose

I have been advocating on behalf of my friend for the last three years since her incident with EPI overdose. My friend still does not have a diagnosis but was advised by one physician that all the physical symptoms can be associated with Autonomic Disorder. This a a general classification and not a specific diagnosis. Was advised that only a few facilities diagnose this issue which includes: The Mayo Clinic and The Cleveland Clinic.

Hope this helps and please keep this post active because there's little to no support from the patients/ physicians for this mysterious neuro/cardiac condition.

By Andrew from Virginia on May 29, 2011 | Reply |

EPI Overdose

You have the right to your personal medical records. I called the hospital and asked them to get the records ready for me. I went in a few days later to pick them up. I specifically asked for all of the actual m.d. notes in addition to nurses notes. You have to also specifically request all test results, blood or otherwise. How long ago did this happen? You could email me directly at kjchapman@wrighttree.com

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on June 01, 2011 | Reply |

Private

I would prefer to use private email also. I don't check this site everyday whereas i'm on my iPhone all day. My email is kjchapman@wrighttree.com

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on June 01, 2011 | Reply |

Email Group

If everyone wanting to join an email group could send an email to me at kjchapman@wrighttree.com I could create an email group so we could update each other. I would appreciate the contact as i'm continuously treating.

Thanks,

Kendra Julie Chapman

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on June 01, 2011 | Reply |

EPI OVERDOSE

My story: I am a 44 yo female. I went to my GYN for a LEEP procedure in his office. Local anesthesia consisted of lidocaine and epinephrine. After 4 injections of epi, I began having excrutiating chest pain that radiated into both arms and down my back. My legs and arms were jerking uncontrollably, took dr & two nurses to hold me down, couldn't speak, couldn't see. This lasted approx. 1/2 hr. I had no control over my body functions. I don't know if I had a mini-stroke, stroke or just a adrenaline rush. The nurse & dr said my pulse and bp were normal and that I was ok, that I just had some side effects to the epinephrine and just to rest for 1/2 hr before leaving the office. As I left the room, I noticed they had brought in a defibulator. This happened just two days ago and I am still very tired, feel like I have a weight on my chest, pain in the middle of my back, and have vision changes. The dr has rescheduled the procedure as a surgery and I am really frightened now at what might happen in surgery. Any feedback is appreciated. My email is monequefowler@yahoo.com Thanks

By Moneque Puffenbarger from Charleston, WV on June 04, 2011 | Reply |

Epinephrine given by mistake

My son was given Epinephrine by mistake. About 6 mos ago..Now he has been having heart problems. (recently had a heart attack Drs. cannot find the problem with his heart. Could it be caused from the Epinephrine?

By CT from Ashland, Ky on June 08, 2011 | Reply |

EPI Overdose

Was the dose given to your son an overdose?

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on June 10, 2011 | Reply |

EPI administered in "error" IV vs. IM

I have been looking on the web for information pertaining to this subject. Reading previous posts here has frightened me while also giving me some comfort. Hopefully we can all help one another by sharing information. I'm confused, upset, and at a loss.
I am 35 yr. old female who recently had an allergic reaction to Bactrim. I went to E.R. w/ severe hives & itching. Having no insurance, I avoided this visit. I'd taken benedryl on my own, but it wasn't alleviating symptoms.
The dr. ordered 0.3 mg epi IM- the nurse administered IV. She claims in her report to only have administered 0.1 mg, but I'm doubtful of this and there really is no way to prove otherwise. I found this out after requesting my medical records where she "noted her error." I was never informed that a mistake had occurred, I just knew something wasn't right as soon as she gave me the epi. Immediately following the push, my chest felt hot- from my throat to my belly, I became dizzy, was shaking uncontrollably, vomited (dry heave), sweat was rolling off my head as I slumped over the side of my bed, gasping for air because it was SO hard to breathe. She told me it was from laying on my chest & advised me to roll over... After about 30 min, she took my blood pressure which was 53/26- my pulse was 22. I was too nauseous to move, crying & afraid I was going to die. My fingers on IV hand were purple, and I shook from head to toe. I could hear, but couldn't speak. She then put me on a heart monitor where I could it beat irregularly. I was monitored for 2 more hours, given more IV meds for nausea and released when bp was 95/62.
My bp has been high since, migraine headaches that are getting a little better. I'm having issues w/ my vision, chest pains, muscle aches & backaches.
I haven't had a stress test or EKG, I don't want to rack up thousands of dollars more in medical bills. What should I do next? My email is JJbox2004@aol.com
Any advice is welcomed & appreciated. Thank you.

By Jenny from Davenport, Iowa on June 13, 2011 | Reply |

ANOTHER ONE!! :(

Hello everyone,

I replied to Jenny via email. I would like to ask again if anyone is interested in an email group offline. If so please email your email address to me at kjchapman@wrighttree.com

Thanks,

Kendra

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on June 20, 2011 | Reply |

responce to kendra

hi kendra. i tried again to send you my email. it got rejected wit this message: The following addresses had permanent fatal errors -----".
don't understand why i can't reach you...

By rose from si ny on June 21, 2011 | Reply |

Contact Problems

I'll talk to our IT people about a possible block keeping your emails out. Try me on my personal email wdmchapmans@hotmail. Or I would love to talk to you. My cell is 515-710-6075.

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on June 25, 2011 | Reply |

Epi overdose 4.0 mg

I was given 4 mg of 1;1 iv epi and I am still having problems it happened june 24 2011 I am 19 and need some advice on what to do

By unknown from st.george utah on July 27, 2011 | Reply |

EPI Overdose

What have the doctors done for you so far? Did you have a heart attack? What symtoms are you having? You can email me at kjchapman@wrighttree.com.

Hope to communicate with you soon.

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on August 01, 2011 | Reply |

Shocked

I cannot believe how many people have written about their experience with an epi overdose since my incident which was only 5 months ago. It is scary to know that this is happening so often. It makes me wonder if all of those people who die from cardiac arrest and anaphalaxis in the emergency room really die from the arrest or if it's the epinephrine that kills them. Research needs to be done on the damage that this drug can do in the short time that it's in the body. This damage causes long term side effects. My doctors keep telling me that epi has such a short half life that it can't possibly have any long term effects. This is not true as we all know.
We are all blessed to even have survived.

By Jane from NL Canada on August 18, 2011 | Reply |

Autonomic Disorders and Epinephrine

Hello,

I'm interested in learning more about the connection between autonomic nervous system disorders and overdoses of epinephrine. I developed what was later diagnosed as dysautonomia after being treated for a severe allergic reaction. Two years later, I am still disabled by this condition.

Thanks!
Lauren

By Lauren from NY on October 03, 2011 | Reply |

AUTONOMIC DISORDERS AND EPINEPHRINE

Were you given an overdose of epinephrine?

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on October 20, 2011 | Reply |

You may contact me via direct email

My email address is kjchapman@wrighttree.com

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on October 20, 2011 | Reply |

My son was given an overdose of epinephrine when he was an infant

My son was admitted to the hospital when he was seven weeks old. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and after one of his treatments the doctor came back to the room and told me he had been given an overdose of epinephrine. At the time I was young and scared for my sons well being and believed the doctor would have told me if there were more for me to worry about in regards to this mistake in dosage. Now my son is 21 and has always had problems with alllergies and asthma, has had some anxiety and now has been diagnosed with keratoconis. I began doing some research and am now seeing that there are long term effects from an overdose and of course am now wondering if this could be the case with my son. I am also concerned that there may be other health problems that could arise from this and if he may have had any scarring or negative effects on his heart.

By Barbara Monroe from Marshfield Massachusetts on December 12, 2011 | Reply |

EPI Overdose

How is your child doing today?

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on December 30, 2011 | Reply |

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

I'm 38 yrs old and was treated about a month ago for allergic reaction. I was given Epi 0.3mg IV and have not been the same since. My muscles in my body ache as if I've been in a horrible accident, my vision is blurry at times and I've never had problems with my eyes, headaches are a little better, but the every day shortness of breath is driving me crazy. I did have a couple of CAT scans of my head which they say were okay, but I never had my heart checked. I do know when given the Epi my heart rate was almost at 200 and my bp was in the 180's or so they said, I just know the pain that went through my body and my head feeling like it was going to explode was like I was going to die. One of the dr's who treated was really concerned the other who treated me the day after the incident cause of the horrific headache acted like I was making the whole thing up. I just want to feel better already!!!

By Gladys from Las Cruces, NM on March 30, 2012 | Reply |

30 and my heart feels broke

Im 30 yrs old 3 beautiful kids on march 29th,2012 i was taken to local Er for Anaphalaxis shock it was the end of the er staffs shift and the RN gave me my Epi directly into my iv and caused caridiac arrest i died on the table and was shocked but when she put it in my iv i felt it move through my body down my legs and up through my stomache as it started cramps i started screamin my stomache chest and head hurt so bad then i lost consiousness when i woke i was being taken to cariac
icu where i was watched careful and my moniters alarms were going off every time u turned around low oxygen low pulse low blood presure the echo came back clean but was symptomatic and they had to give me meds to bring heart rate up and i had the same issues just not as severe 2nd echo came back good enzyemes were elevated was let out of hospital on the 2nd of April 2012 after being out of hospital for 3 hours had to go back after several hours they concluded i had another smaller caridac reaction to the trama Cardioligist said i didnt need a stress test i was fine well here it is 5-13-2012 i had another episode last night tight chest heavy feeling shortness of breathe and now im wondering what and if i will ever be the same im not in the best shape im over weight but all my labs say im healthy i want answers and no one seems to be able to help me or give me any my insurance benifits were exhausted by the RNs mistake and i know caant even afford to see someone Will i ever be ok will i have to continue with these issues from now on?

By Heather from Forestburg, TX on May 13, 2012 | Reply |

Husband Overdosed from Epi

Last year in 2011 my husband went to the dentist to have work done on a root canal. As soon as the dentist administered the lidocaine with epi my husband instantly began having a serious reaction. The paramedics were called, his bp and heart rate were 200+, he was convulsing and I believe that he suffered a heart attack although they would not say that. We later found out after multiple heart test that he did suffer some permanent damage to his heart.
Ever since his overdose, he continues to have worsening "attacks" where his heart races, his bp elevates he gets dizzy, pressure behind his eyes, his limbs go cold and numb and these are to just list a few. Just recently, his surgeon admitted him to the hospital for week to do further testing. They thought that he had a Pheochromocytoma because of his elevated epinepherine levels. His levels are always around 400+ the normal range. His Dr. was not able to find anything. Just his abnormally high epi levels. Now most of the medical professionals think that he just has anxiety.He never had anxiety before all of this happened.
He never feels well, usually sleeps as soon as he is done trying to work a full day and experiencing some of the strangest symptoms. For now the Dr.'s put him on Metoprolo to help with his symptoms. I have spent so many hours trying to make sense of all of this and was honestly shocked and sickened when I read all of the post thus far. It's in a way good to know that he is not crazy... it's not just anxiety but at the same time, all of you don't have any answers in getting help.
My husband is 36, he has already defeated death before all of this even happened, he has three young boys that need him to get well. My husband could really use any information that any of you may have to offer. Our e-mail is: whippets5@q.com.

By Rachel from Salt Lake City, UT on June 06, 2012 | Reply |

Hi Heather

Hi Heather,

If you email me at kjchapman@wrighttree.com I will add your address to our EPI OD group. We have several people in the group that could help you. You can call me anytime at 515.271.1108 or 515.710.6075. Hang in there,

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on June 15, 2012 | Reply |

Hi Gladys

Email me at kjchapman@wrighttree.com and I'll add you to our EPI OD group. We commucate with each other about our continuing and confusing issues.

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on June 15, 2012 | Reply |

How is your son today?

Email me at kjchapman@wrighttree.com. I very curious to hear details of his residual problems related to this overdose.

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on June 15, 2012 | Reply |

Epi overdose

Last year I had my overdose an emt intermediate at Dixie ambulance in St. George utah gave me 4mg of 1:1 epinephrine through the iv I weighed 130 lb and I am 5'7" the effects were immediate the equipment couldn't even read my pulse or blood pressure I was hunched over had the worst headache in my life by about 1 million times and vomiting and my whole body was clenched up other symptoms I was awake the whole time spent a long time in the cardiac unit now I owe over $20,000 in hospital bills and I still have bad headaches and other symptoms

By Unknown my name is Brandon Zgadzaj from St. George Utah on June 20, 2012 | Reply |

my son was given lidocain with epinephrine into his IV by accident

My 3 year old son was seen in the ER over the weekend with an absess that needed to be drained. The procedure was going to be painful, so sedation medicine was going to be injected into him, then licocain with epi to numb the sight. By accident the doctor pushed the lidocain with epi into his IV. now I am concerned with any long term effects that he may sustain. As of right now, 2 days later he seems to be a active healthy 3 year old. But my main concern is cardiac problems that will develope.
any one have any insight to my problem?

By kellie from boston, ma on August 07, 2012 | Reply |

Epinephrine

I was overdosed with epinephrine in December 2008. I was in the ICU with Toxic Shock/Sepsis and had an allergic reaction to Vancomycin. Since I have had chronic fatigue and been diagnosed with chronic illness myopathy. Which is weak, stiff muscles, no endurance, and my muscles ache all the time. My liver has been effected. I had high blood pressure. I have some brain damage on my left lobe and a large mass on my right frontal lobe. I just had a baby 6 months ago and had no pain or fatigue while pregnant. Which is all slowly returning since I had the baby. The doctors have no answers for me and can't figure out anything to help me. I can't afford to feel like I have for almost 4 years. I have a baby to take care of. I don't know what else to try or where to go for help. I feel my problems have to be hormone related since I felt good pregnant. But the blood test come back normal and they just say that can't be it. I know my body!

By Angie from Michigan on September 04, 2012 | Reply |

EPI

I was just this week given a dose of epi IV accidently while in the ER for an allergic reaction. Has anyone found any medical literture on this topic?

By KO from Northeast US on September 15, 2012 | Reply |

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

I am a RN who has made this mistake, and trust me I have felt nothing but horrible guilt since it happened. It is not something we did on purpose or anything making us stupid, hospital training should be blamed, during orientation no one ever says never give epi IV push and people during emergencies are just shouting give epi. I have sympathy for everyone who has experienced this error, however as nurses we take responsibility for our actions and it is not fair to make it out like we are idiots or horrible people, maybe at your job you made a mistake as an accountant a some numbers got mixed up in the health care field people get hurt. People assume that nurses and doctors cannot make mistakes but everyone is human and it is going to happen. I wish i could go back to that day and change what happened but I cant, the important thing is that I will never make it again.

By Michelle from New York, NY on September 28, 2012 | Reply |

Mistakes

To Michelle , RN in NY,

Because of an Epinephrine overdose I suffer from brain damage, PTSD, depression and head pain among other things. The heart attack the OD caused turned out to be the least of my problems. Not to say a heart attack is a small problem - because it is not. This mistake changed my life and I am afraid the old me will never be back!

I think of my RN that made this mistake often. I wonder what happened to her. She was the only one who showed any compassion to me, my husband and our 15 year old daughter, who was in the ER with me when this happened. She clung to my husband and said she did not know how she was going to sleep at night. My concern is that she could be suffering from PTSD or depression also. I know I would be, if I was the one that caused so much pain for someone I was responsible for.

Making a mistake does not make anyone stupid, everyone makes them. A persons actions after the mistake is made, is what is most important. The fact that you cared enough to research the affects of EPI overdose shows great character.

For the rest of your life I hope that you go out of your way to educate your fellow medical professionals about the horrible consequences of EPI overdose. I DO BELIEVE that you will be a better nurse because of this mistake. Just make sure the person that received the OD is taken care of. Her life is also forever changed.

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on October 20, 2012 | Reply |

Epinephrine overdose

I had epinephrine administered IV directly into IV port with no "push" just injected, had same reaction noted by many of responders. Six weeks later, I am still out of work, followed by primary care, neurology, and cardiology for side effects including; erratic b/p, sob, lack of stamina, vertigo, dizziness, very low b/p particilarly late in the day, anxiety fear of unknown, headaches chest pain which I never had prior. Wondering if I will ever recover.

By JANE from Huntington, New York on October 22, 2012 | Reply |

Epinephrine OD

I am an RN as well as a Paramedic. In July of this year I was given an epinephrine OD for an anaphylactic reaction. The dose should have been 0.3mg 1:1,000 mg IM, the EMT drew up what is suspected (it is out of the scope of an EMT to draw up medications) 3 mg. The Paramedic by her own admission didn't know the correct dose or route. It should have been given IM, she gave it IV. Instantly I had horrific chest pain, became pale, cool and my blood pressure was 62/42. The Epinephrine dose IV for someone in cardiac arrest is 1mg 1:10,000, the IV dose for anaphylaxis (if you get that far in only the most severe case and a last resort is 0.01mg 1:100,000. That being sad I know medication epinephrine, when and how to use it, yet I was a victim. I did suffer a massive global Heart attack, my Troponin level elevated to 9.28, I'm medicated to increase the pump of my heart and I now suffer non-sustained atrial fibrillation which started two weeks post event,I'm medicated for that now as well, also I have events of bradycardia (slow heart-rate) into the 40's and my blood pressure is all over the place, as low as 70 systolic and as high as 140 systolic (I'm on a beta blocker) my heart rate varies from 48 to 150 beats per minute just sitting on the sofa. I have chest pain daily, shortness of breath more times than I can count, I have little energy and sometimes it is everything I can do just to get up each day. I live in constant fear of my own heart. I worry about other damage, I was just diagnosed with type II diabetes, have never had that pair to the event in July. I have even hospitalized multiple times since for complications. No Doctor, not my primary care, not my cardiologist will say with certainty the damage that was done that horrible day, but it certainly changed my health and life. Just this weekI was referred to a EP cardiologist (Electrophysiology Cardiologist). Hoping to get some answers and maybe even an idea or two of how to treat the heart rate problem. I am 47 years old and would like to see 50!

By Jenny from Indiana on November 10, 2012 | Reply |

Diabetes

My blood test are wacky. They are showing possible kidney problems. I am also now pre-diabetes.

By Kendra Julie Chapman from West Des Moines, Iowa on November 27, 2012 | Reply |

Ephinephrine Overdose

So far, I think I have met most of you, but never posted my story, so I am doing it in hopes to help all of us, and any others who get overdosed. I, like a few of you am also a Nurse, I had NO idea the Nurse was pushing IV epinephrine on me, or I would of immediately stopped her! Mine started from a medication the hospital gave me that I was known anaphylactic to, however I was treated with Benadryl, and had no symptoms of anayphylactic. I cleared my throat, because the Benadryl IV makes it very dry, they assumed I was going anayphylactic and the next thing I remember is the Nurse just pushing a huge syringe of epinephrine into my IV. My husband said I turned gray and my eyes rolled back, there were a lot of people in the room, I remember sometimes I could answer them, and sometimes I could not speak. I had chest pain, shortness of breathe, I could not move, I literally felt like I was dying. I was moved into the resuscitation area for I think at least 12 hours to be monitored, the hospital, after I asked the Nurse taking care of me what was wrong (because I had ongoing chest pain and shortness of breathe-felt like I ran a marathon), finally came in and explained to me I was given epinephrine, the wrong route and dose. I have had a headache since I woke up from the incident, it never seems to go away, some days its better than others. The heart attack turned out to be takosubo cardiomyopathy (they diagnosed that by doing a heart cath about 12-14 hours after the incident), I also had a pleural effusion. These, in a way, like Kendra said although are bad, seem to be the lesser of my symptoms now, I have continued shortness of breathe upon exertion (I use to work-out daily, now have trouble walking up and down a flight of stairs), weakness (more on left side than right), memory problems, concentration problems, focusing problems, tremors, fatigue, weakness, hands and feet are always cold and white, pain in hands, pain over kidneys, trouble getting words out, get mad easily, trouble with noise, trouble with certain lights (they make the headache worse). I may have missed a few, but it has been nothing but a nightmare since the overdose. I recently had a positive ANA, the rheumatologist is diagnosing it as scleroderma (which I have no prior history, nor any family history, nothing!!!), my blood work is also showing a high CK level which they are still doing testing on, that means I have some type of muscle damage, it could be in the heart, lungs, muscles, any organ. I have a lot of test coming up, and my overdose was almost a year ago! I feel I make an improvement in some way, but then another symptom comes out. I have also been diagnosed with Raynauds, Anoxic Brain injury, PTSD, Encephalopathy---all since the overdose. I read the forum and see the symptoms, it all seems we are the same in many ways, I don't think this is a coincidence. I am hoping it gets easier and better for me, for all of us! Please feel free to contact me at anytime, I want answers, I want my life back, we all do!

By Kimberly from Ann Arbor, MI on January 18, 2013 | Reply |

The same thing happened to me

My case is still under review but I think I was given too much epi after an anaphylactic shock due to MRI dye. My heart and head felt like they were going to explode. I too have heart damage and other very similar issues as described above. My question is...
Did any of the hospitals in your cases compensate you for the damages?

By Anonymous from Alaska on February 06, 2013 | Reply |

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

Sorry per legal can't discuss that over the site. I would love to hear your story and what the doctors are saying, as you can see we are all trying to fight for the lives we had. Please contact me ASAP, 734-646-7383. I will keep this post up for a few days, but then have Julie or myself delete it, because of confidiatialety. Thanks, look forward to speaking with you!

By Another overdose person fighting for life back! on February 19, 2013 | Reply |

Life Turned Upside Down after ER Visit

I was admitted to my local small town hospital due to what I thought was bronchitis which turned out to be COPD. I was there for two days and was given morphine every four hours for pain.The last night there a floor nurse decided that she would give me a dose of Toradol for pain. Come to find out I was allergic to it and my heart stopped. I remember complete darkness and telling myself " So this is how it feels to be dead ". I was administered a undilluted dose of EPI into my IV and it'woke" me up and the pain in my heart was beyond belief 1 My heart felt as if would explode and I remember screaming to the nurses to stop whatever they were doing.My wife and Paramedic son witnessed the entire ordeal which is how I know that it was a straight shot of EPI directly into my IV. My body was shaking so much as the monitors would not work. I remember that the nurses had my bed turned as to have my body upside down and one nurse had bear hugged me to keep my shaking at bay so the monitors would work. My son told me later that his Paramedic Boss entered about this time and asked him as to why I was shaking so violently in which after being told that I was given an straight shot of EPI ,he replied that he had never seen a person shake in such a manner , in which my son then explained that it was administered into my IV. His boss then told him that that was a no-no. My son said that he was aware of the straight dose but was so distraught at seeing his father in such bad shape, that he couldnt think correctly at the time but later realized the horrible mistake made. My heart went into A-FIB and my son demanded that I be airlifted to another hospital. I was treated at that hospital ( and more mistakes made there as well) and the heart doctor got my heart back to its normal sinius. Since then I have had sight,lower back,bowel troubles ,terrible headaches that lasts for days,short of breath (which my COPD probably is the cause) constant chest pain,and it feels as every organ within my torso hurts.I can sleep for 16 hours at a time and yet I stay tired. I have for years only slept for 5 hours at a time tops. Even my skin feels cold and it makes me sick to look at it because it looks and feels like a corpse. I feel as if Im going crazy and I know that my family is tired of my complaining about all my aches and pains. I know it is strange to say but I was so glad to stumble upon this website as now I know that I am not crazy. I am about to be laid off from work and lose my health insurance which is not good at this point. I am in the process of looking for a lawyer that will take my case. I hate how people are so "sue happy" these days and greedy, but I do believe that my local hospital should pay for any expenses related to my heart condition since they caused it. Dont get me wrong, they got my heart beating again and Im grateful for that, but now I have heart and many other issues which I did not have prior to the straight dose of EPI via IV. Any information regarding health or legal matters will be most appreciated.

My contact info- Cell Phone 731-307-0878
E-mail- rwlomax@hotmail.com

Thanks and God Bless Us All,

Randall Lomax

By Randall W. Lomax from Lexington, Tennessee on February 23, 2013 | Reply |

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

My heart can't take epi with adrenaline. It can't even take the numbing shot by it self. It still makes me feel faint and gets hard to breathe, but with adrenaline it gets bad. All stems from going overboard with energy drinks, but im worried i have to have dental work, but i cant have the epi with adrenaline or the epi alone. The numbing gel even bothers my heart. Im worried i dont know what to do. Id be ok with them working on my teeth without anything. Im scared to try any other numbing agent. Last tine I was there my chest, throat both got really tight, i got really faint, tingly hands, feet, mouth went numb like it was supposed to but so disd my throat and whole chest. Very scary. I was shaking all over

By jacob mercer on March 24, 2013 | Reply |

Re: epinephrine overdose long term effects

I'm glad to know I'm not crazy. 13 yrs ago a dentist over dosed me and almost killed me. From that point on my life has not been the same. I can't work, I experience severe weakness, I'm always in pain, hypertension and hypothyroidism. You name itthe lilist goes on and on. I have no life and ababsolutely no one understands. My family thinks I have mental problems but in reality I am dealing with the side effects and damage of this drug. It's been an absolute nightmare. This is the first time I have ever come across postings were others have dealt with the same thing. I pray we all find relief from this terrible tragedy. Unfortunately I know of none. Sincerely karen

By karen on March 29, 2013 | Reply |

Epinephrine overdose

Hi, my name is Tracy. My dad underwent multiple eye surgeries in a very short period of time for retinal detachment. He is diabetic, and so when they were trying to dilate his eye, his eye wasn't responding right away. The medical assistants there kept dropping the HomeAtropine eyedrops constantly in his eyes to try and get him to dilate faster, but I honestly believe they gave him way too much epi over this short period of time. He suddenly was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension 2 weeks after these eye surgeries. He literally went from playing softball with my kids in mid April to not being able to walk 10 feet by beginning of May. He's very short of breath, he's at the end stages of the disease now, and he's looking at a lung transplant. Has anyone heard of Epi or Atropine overdose ever causing Pulmonary Hypertension? I'm trying to figure this out. I'm also an RN, and I'm doing everything I can to try and make sense out of this immediate onset of Pulmonary Hypertension. I know that pregnant moms, in preterm labor, can receive a med that stops their preterm labor...it's similar to an asthma medication, and I also learned that this certain med can cause Pulmonary Hypertension. Being that asthma meds and epi/atropine are kind of similar in the reaction the body has to them, I was wondering if my dad's condition could in any way be related to the epi/atropine overdose. I'm so sorry to hear all your stories, it saddens me as an RN caring for my patients like I do. I hope you guys find some answers, and eventually, start to feel better.

By Tracy Loftus from Fresno, CA on April 23, 2013 | Reply |

Long Term Effects of Epi Oversdose

I received an epi overdose 6 weeks ago and still don't feel well. I went into the ER because I was having an allergic reaction to an antibiotic I had not previously taken. The nurse gave me epi 0.3ml (1:1000) through my IV. I immediately had a pounding headache on the right side of my head, chest pain, and shortness of breath. I had a heart attack and was in ICU for a few days.

I'm 33 and can't believe how much this has changed my life. The little things that I never would have questioned my ability in doing are tasks that take time and effort now. I have chronic headaches on the right side of my head that haven't responded to any medication for relief. I've had vision changes in my right eye because of this event. Does this get any better?

Would really like to talk with some others who have experienced the same thing and see what kind of outcomes you are having!

By Shannon from Houlton, Maine on May 19, 2013 | Reply |

Heart Attack at 23

Hey Shannon,

You can e-mail me at aizleerigg@gmail.com if you'd like to discuss further. I was given epi IV by accident (and twice the the normal amount) last year when I presented to the ED with a possible allergic reaction. I also had a heart attack and was in the ICU for several days. I was only 23.

Dana

By Dana on May 24, 2013 | Reply |

I wish I could understand what is happening to me

I went into shock after drinking a prep medication for surgery and went to emergency room at which time I felt like I was burning up and was experiencing uncontrollable shaking (like you were freezing, but I wasn't cold), lips and inside of throat felt like bees stinging them and then I was given a dose of epinephrine direct into my IV and I felt a sudden rush through my body and it felt as if my heart was going to burst out of my chest and like I was growing an extra head because my head felt like it was stretching to that point. My blood pressure actually dropped to 56/34 and then everything in the room looked smokey and I honestly saw my mother who had been deceased since 2003. I was told I had a mild heart attack at this time. That has been several weeks ago now and I still have troubles with breathing...it's always like I can't catch my breath even when I am just sitting watching television and have odd pains around side of my left breast and up under my arm pit, but my heart is good and there was no damage done to it and no blockages which I am sure would have showed up on my angiogram I had to have. I wish all these health problems could be diagnosed and told what I can do for them. If any one knows why this is happening and or how to make them stop I would appreciate it since I can't seem to pull anything up on it.

By Harris from Melrose, Florida on June 11, 2013 | Reply |

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