Zoloft Overdose

Zoloft Overdose


In general, Zoloft overdose is not a common phenomenon.  Zoloft is a safe antidepressant that can reduce the signs and symptoms of major depression, as well as obsessive compressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.  As mentioned, it is generally safe with side effects that include decreased sexual desire, decreased orgasms, constipation, impotence, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, increased sweating, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, fatigue, trouble sleeping and weight loss.  There can be serious side effects, including suicidality that leads to Zoloft overdose and serotonin syndrome.  Some people can actually have worsening of their depression.  Another severe side effect of Zoloft taken in excess is an exacerbation of mania in those with previously undiagnosed bipolar disorder.

So can you overdose on Zoloft?  Certainly, if you are one of the few people with increased suicidality, you can turn that into a Zoloft overdose and take too many with the idea of taking your life.  A Zoloft OD however is usually not fatal and a Zoloft overdose death is rare.  This is what makes it generally safe to give to severely depressed patients, especially when compared to the older antidepressants that were easily deadly when overdosed.

 

Zoloft Overdose Symptoms

Zoloft OverdoseA Zoloft overdose can lead to different Zoloft overdose symptoms, depending on the amount taken as well as on what other medication or drugs are taken at the same time as the Zoloft.  Overdose symptoms include fatigue and drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, increased or decreased heart rate, agitation, and tremor or shakiness.  Less common Zoloft withdrawal symptoms include seizures, coma, hallucinations, delirium, high blood pressure, fainting spells and death.  Death due to Zoloft overdose occurs only about one percent of the time.  The risk of dying from a Zoloft overdose is much higher if you end up taking other pills or drugs along with the Zoloft.  Zoloft overdose death is dose dependent as well and the more you take, the greater is the risk of death from taking the medication.

Serotonin syndrome is one side effect of taking too much Zoloft, especially with an overdose.  A Zoloft overdose that ends in serotonin syndrome can also be fatal.  Serotonin syndrome happens when the body is flooded with serotonin above which it can handle.  The cause of serotonin syndrome is an excess of Zoloft or other SSRI medication or possibly taking two or more SSRIs at the same time.

If you take serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Zoloft along with triptans as well as other SSRIs, such as Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, and Lexapro, you can get serotonin syndrome.  Talk to the doctor if you stop any medication or start any medication when taking Zoloft.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can take place within minutes to hours after a Zoloft overdose.  This includes agitation and restlessness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, hallucinations, increased body temperature, nausea and vomiting, lack of coordination, hyperactive reflexes and blood pressure changes.  Doctors can diagnose it by taking a careful history and physical examination of the patient on Zoloft.  Other things may need to be ruled out in order to diagnose serotonin syndrome.  The treatment of serotonin syndrome includes the taking of IV or oral benzodiazepines to decrease things like agitation so common in serotonin syndrome.  Cyproheptadine can block serotonin production and IV fluids can be given to flush out the drug.  Any drug contributing to serotonin syndrome should be discontinued.

 

Zoloft Overdose Treatment


Zoloft overdose is most common in children, teens and young adults who are at risk for increased suicidality when taking Zoloft.  These are individuals who need special attention, especially when first being placed on the medication.  Long term users of Zoloft are less likely to suffer from suicidality.
The treatment of a Zoloft overdose varies according to the amount taking and what other drugs are taken at the same time.  A Zoloft overdose death can result from under treating a Zoloft OD.  If the Zoloft overdose was relatively recent, within an hour or so, you can put a tube down the person’s throat into the stomach and suck out the excess pills taken.  This can reduce the absorption of Zoloft from the stomach and intestines.  Syrup of ipecac also works if the person is conscious enough to vomit without risk of going unconscious.

The rest of Zoloft overdose treatment is supportive to the patient so that they live through the taking of the medication.  There is no antidote for Zoloft overdose.  The patient can have Zoloft flushed through the system by using IV fluids.  Medications can be given to increase blood pressure, fix an irregular heart rhythm or control and prevent seizures.  There needs to be supportive measures and observation of the function of the heart and lungs and a breathing tube with a ventilator needs to be used if breathing stops or is inadequate.  If there are any other complications, they need to be managed.

 

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Zoloft Overdose | Zoloft Dosage | Zoloft Side Effects | Zoloft OD | Serotonin Syndrome | Zoloft Suicide

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