Key Takeaways:
- Prozac overdose is possible when an excessive amount is taken or when it interacts with alcohol or other medications.
- Prozac is generally taken in dosages between 10mg to 60mg.
- Prozac overdose can cause a host of symptoms, including nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, seizures, and serotonin syndrome.
- Prozac overdose requires immediate medical treatment for a full recovery. If you notice symptoms, call your local poison control or emergency services right away.
- Intentional overdose on Prozac requires expert addiction treatment and mental health services. Reach out to Avenues Recovery's specialists to guide you in choosing a suitable program.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) overdose can occur if more than the recommended amount is taken, or if Prozac is taken alongside other medications or alcohol. A Prozac overdose can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening; one must be careful to take the correct dosages as prescribed by a health professional. Read on with Avenues Recovery to discover the symptoms, risks, and treatment.
What Is Prozac?
Prozac, generically known as fluoxetine, is an antidepressant commonly used to treat mental health conditions. Prozac belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates many body functions, including mood, sleep, and physical health. Prozac raises the level of serotonin, and as a result, reduces depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
The following is a list of conditions Prozac is commonly prescribed for:
- Major depressive disorder
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Bulimia
- Binge eating disorder
- Bipolar disorder
Prozac is used to treat these conditions and may be recommended by your healthcare provider.
It can also be prescribed off-label for the following:
- Social anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Borderline personality disorder
- Raynaud phenomenon
- Selective mutism
- Generalized anxiety disorder
Can You Overdose on Prozac?
Yes, despite Prozac being safer than older antidepressants and less likely to cause interactions, taking excessive amounts, or taking it together with other drugs or alcohol, could result in a Prozac overdose. The age, weight, kidney function, other medications, and general health of the patient all play a major role in determining the dosage. Typically, dosages range between 10 mg to 80mg daily.
How Much Prozac Can Cause an Overdose?
Exceeding your prescribed dose, typically between 10mg and 80mg daily, without a doctor’s consent, can lead to Prozac (fluoxetine) overdose. Mixing Prozac with the following substances can also result in an overdose:
- NSAIDS, aspirin, and warfarin
- Serotonergic drugs
- Some antidepressants and opioids
- Electroconvulsive therapy
- Pimozide and Thioridazine
- Anticonvulsants
Fluoxetine (Prozac) Overdose Symptoms
The following distressing symptoms can occur as a result of a Prozac overdose:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Drowsiness
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid, involuntary movement of the eyes
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fever
- Uncontrollable shaking
Serotonin Syndrome
Taking too much Prozac can also cause serotonin syndrome. This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the brain for the body to handle.
These are the symptoms of serotonin syndrome:
- Delirium
- Rapid heart rate
- Vomiting
- Muscle spasms
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Fainting
- Hallucinations
In rare cases:
- Seizures
- Coma
With immediate medical attention, a full recovery from a Prozac overdose is often achievable.
Severe Symptoms of Prozac Overdose
Other dangerous complications that can occur as a result of an overdose include:
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Blood clotting in blood vessels, leading to tissue and organ damage
- Kidney failure
- Respiratory failure
- Seizures
- Rhabdomyolysis
These severe outcomes are registered effects of Prozac, highlighting the range of adverse consequences and clinical risks.
Although Prozac overdose death is a rare occurrence, it’s still a possibility. Take care when using Prozac so as not to overdose and find yourself in a life-threatening situation.
What To Do if Someone Overdoses on Prozac
If you notice any of the above Prozac overdose symptoms in yourself or someone else, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical assistance immediately. The sooner treatment is received, the lower the risk of developing serious complications.
Have the following information ready:
- Age and weight
- Prescribed dosage
- Amount of time since the last dosage
- Other substances that were taken
- Amount of medication consumed
- Symptoms
- General health condition
Prozac Overdose Treatment
If the overdose happened within the last hour, the stomach might be pumped to remove any remains of the drug. Activated charcoal might also be administered to absorb traces of the drug in the body.
There’s no antidote to Prozac, but supportive care can be provided by doctors. These include:
- Ventilator to assist with breathing
- Medications for seizures
- Medications that block serotonin
- IV fluids to prevent dehydration
- Monitoring of heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure
- Cardiac monitoring
Prozac Overdose Aftercare
To prevent another overdose on Prozac from happening, the reason why the overdose occurred should be identified and examined. The overdose could have been unintentional. Perhaps the person took more than the prescribed dosage as a result of not keeping track of their medication. To address this issue, the following steps should be taken:
- Discuss the treatment plan with a professional; a doctor should clarify the dosage, and careful adherence to the plan should be maintained.
- Don’t take Prozac with other substances or alcohol; mixing the drug with other substances can result in overdose.
Prozac Overdose Aftercare at Avenues Recovery
If the overdose was intentional, one would gain immensely from therapy to identify the underlying reasons for the overdose. Joining a rehab program would be the ideal option for treatment, as one could detox from the drug in a safe and comfortable setting, with constant medical supervision, and then benefit from a wide range of therapies.
Avenues Recovery operates comfortable and professional rehab centers in various locations across the US. Our programs are designed with our patients in mind; our professionally trained staff are understanding and sympathetic, and there for our patients 24/7. We offer a wide array of therapies and personalized treatment plans to give every individual the best chance at recovery.
Our expert team has helped thousands of people overcome their addictions, and they can help you too. We offer a non-judgmental and highly supportive setting where you can turn your life around. Contact us today to hear more about our programs and to begin your journey toward a happy, healthy, and sober future.
FAQs About Prozac Overdose
What happens if you accidentally take 80 mg of Prozac?
Accidentally taking 80 mg of Prozac (fluoxetine) may cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, anxiety, or a fast heartbeat. For most people, a one-time dose is not life-threatening, but you should contact a healthcare provider or poison control right away.
Is it bad to take 40 mg of fluoxetine?
40 mg of fluoxetine is a commonly prescribed dose for some conditions. However, it should only be taken under a doctor’s guidance. Taking 40 mg without a prescription or too soon after starting can increase side effects.
How do you know if you've overdosed on Prozac?
Signs of a Prozac overdose include tremors, extreme drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, agitation, and confusion. If these occur, seek emergency medical help immediately.