Prozac overdose can occur 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.
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
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 more than the recommended amount, 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 100mg daily.
How much Prozac to overdose on? Exceeding the aforementioned amount without a doctor’s consent can lead to Prozac 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
Symptoms of Prozac Overdose
What happens if you overdose on Prozac? 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
Taking too much Prozac can 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 heart beat
- Fainting
- Hallucinations
In rare case:
- Seizures
- Coma
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
Although Prozac overdose death is a rare occurrence, it’s still a likelihood. 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’ve 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 make the dosage clear 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 be detoxed from the drug in a safe and comfortable setting, with constant medical supervision, and then benefit from different types of therapies.
This is where Avenues Recovery Center steps in. We operate 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 personalize treatment plans to give every individual the best chance at recovery. Our expert staff have 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 towards a happy, healthy and sober future.