What Happens If Someone Overdoses From Prozac

What Happens If Someone Overdoses From Prozac Depression Treatment Medication Print What Happens If Someone Overdoses on Prozac? By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on February 07, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD on February 07, 2020 Paul S. Howell / Contributor / Getty Images More in Depression Treatment Medication Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Types Childhood Depression Suicide In This Article Table of Contents Expand Overdose Symptoms Possible Complications Getting Medical Help Treatment Next Steps View All Back To Top Prozac (fluoxetine) is a popular medication used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, and some eating disorders.?? Fluoxetineâ€"the active ingredient in Prozacâ€"is also available under the brand name Sarafem for treating premenstrual  dysphoric disorder (PMDD). If taken as prescribed, the risk of Prozac overdose is low. If a person takes more than prescribed either accidentally or intentionally, however, an overdose is possible. What Is an Overdose of Prozac? Several factorsâ€"including age, weight, current state of health, and whether the person has also taken any other drugs along with Prozacâ€"will determine whether any given dose will be harmful to an individual.  This makes it impossible to generalize about what particular dose would be considered to be an overdose.  It is quite possible that one person will make a complete recovery from a particular dose while another may not.   In general, however, if a person has taken more than what they have been prescribed, especially in the presence of overdose symptoms, they should seek out immediate medical attention. If you believe that you or someone else has taken too much Prozac or more than the prescribed dose, you should seek immediate medical care or contact Poison Control at 800-222-1222. Symptoms The most common symptoms of a Prozac overdose include:?? UnsteadinessConfusionUnresponsivenessNervousnessUncontrollable shakingDizzinessRapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeatHallucinationsFeverFaintingLoss of consciousness Possible Complications Some of the possible medical complications that can occur following an overdose include: SeizuresAbnormal heart rhythmRhabdomyolysis (rapid skeletal muscle breakdown, leading to the release of substances into the bloodstream which can cause kidney failure)??Disseminated intravascular coagulation (widespread blood clotting in the small blood vessels, leading to tissue death and organ damage)Kidney failureRespiratory failure Getting Medical Assistance Due to the fact that emergency room visits can be quite expensive, people will often hesitate to seek emergency help for a possible overdose, especially if the person does not seem to be experiencing any symptoms.  One very good resource for these cases is your local Poison Control Center. The Poison Control Center phone lines are staffed by individuals with training to assess your situation and provide you with advice.  They can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-222-1222.  There is no charge for their services. Information to Have Ready When you are calling either Poison Control or emergency services, you should have the following information available, if possible:?? How much of the medication they may have swallowed (actual amount or your best guess)Their prescribed dosageThe persons age, sex, and weightAmount of time since they took the medicationAny other drugs or substances that they might have takenInformation about whether the person might have had suicidal intentA list of their symptoms How to Help After an Antidepressant Overdose Treatment If the overdose occurred fairly recently, then the emergency room will probably pump the persons stomach to remove any remaining medication.  They may also give them activated charcoal to absorb any remaining traces of the drug. Since no antidote for Prozac exists, the goal of treatment is to monitor and support the patients vital functionsâ€"such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressureâ€"until the person has recovered.  Treatment may also involve counteracting any complications that have developed, such as seizures.?? Next Steps After a person has received treatment for Prozac overdose, there are common questions such as how to prevent future overdoses, what to do if the overdose was intentional, and whether the person can continue taking Prozac. Preventing Future Overdoses ?You can prevent future overdoses by always taking your medication exactly as prescribed. Avoid combining Prozac with alcohol or illicit substances, which can make overdose more likely or worsen any adverse effects that you might experience. Also, be careful to take your medication at the same time each day and never take two doses at the same time to make up for one that you missed.?? Some medications may interact with Prozac. Always inform your doctor of any other medications or supplements that you may be taking. When the Overdose When Intentional If the overdose was on purpose, it is important to get help from a mental health professional to address suicidal thinking and behavior. If there is an immediate danger of self-harm or suicide, hospitalization and stabilization may be necessary. Further treatment depends upon your doctors or psychiatrists advice but may involve the use of another type of antidepressant, psychotherapy, or some other treatment. If you or a loved one are feeling suicidal, please contact your personal physician, a suicide hotline, a hospital emergency room, or other appropriate emergency services for assistance. Tips for Coping With Depression and Suicidal Thoughts Continuing Prozac After an Overdose Whether you continue on your medication depends upon your doctors recommendations. In many cases, you may need to continue taking your medication for a time as you gradually reduce your dose while your body adjusts. You should never stop taking Prozac suddenly, since you may experience symptoms of withdrawal such as insomnia, headache, irritability, and mood swings.??