What is an indication of theophylline overdose?

Theophylline is a medication commonly used in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it works by relaxing the muscles of the airways and improving breathing. However, theophylline has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that the difference between an effective dose and an overdose can be small.

Seizures are a key indication of theophylline overdose. When the drug levels exceed the therapeutic range, it can lead to central nervous system stimulation rather than sedation, resulting in nervousness, insomnia, and potentially seizures. This is a serious consequence of overdose, as high theophylline levels can also lead to arrhythmias and other adverse effects.

In contrast, increased sedation, decreased appetite, and fatigue are not recognized as specific indicators of theophylline overdose. Increased sedation would be more indicative of other types of drug overdoses that depress the central nervous system, while decreased appetite and fatigue may be side effects of many medications and conditions but are not directly associated with theophylline toxicity.