What You Need To Know About Zoloft Overdose
When Zoloft (sertraline) is taken in overdose, it is often in combination with alcohol or other medications. The signs and symptoms that arise from a sertraline overdose are generally mild and brief in duration, but always seek medical help.
When an individual overdoses on sertraline, they may exhibit symptoms such as feeling extremely tired, experiencing shaking or tremors, feeling nauseous, and even vomiting. Additionally, one may observe enlarged pupils (mydriasis), an accelerated heart rate (tachycardia), and alterations in their electrocardiogram (ECG).
Like with other prescription medications, taking too much or mixing it with other substances can cause various side effects, including a Zoloft overdose.
Zinnia Health can help people overcome their addiction to Zoloft. We offer a comprehensive program that includes both detox and rehabilitation. Call us today at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about our Zoloft treatment programs.
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is the brand name for the prescription medication sertraline. It’s a common type of antidepressant used to treat:
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Other mental health conditions.
Zoloft belongs to a class of drugs known as SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in mood regulation.
Can You Overdose on Zoloft?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on Zoloft, also known as sertraline. Overdosing on Zoloft can cause common symptoms such as tremor, lethargy, and nausea; less common being symptoms being agitation, confusion, and vomiting.
Additionally, it can harm the heart and pancreas. Zoloft overdoses may also result in serotonin syndrome, which is the body’s response to too much serotonin.
What To Do in an Emergency
If you suspect someone close to you is overdosing on Zoloft, call 911 immediately.
Please call 911 right away to get help and advice for a person who is overdosing.
What Are the Treatment Options for a Zoloft Overdose?
The treatment for a sertraline overdose is supportive care in an emergency room. This may include activated charcoal, antiemetics (medications that stop nausea and vomiting), benzodiazepines, cooling measures, and serotonin antagonists such as cyproheptadine.
If a person has a severe overdose and develops muscle stiffness and a high fever, they may need to be sedated, intubated (a tube inserted down their throat to help them breathe), cooled externally, and have their muscles paralyzed. There is no evidence that antipyretics (medications for reducing fever) are beneficial in these cases.
It is crucial to monitor the patient’s vital signs and closely observe them for any changes if they have overdosed on sertraline.
Is a Zoloft Overdose Dangerous?
Yes, a Zoloft overdose can be life-threatening. Zoloft may occasionally cause symptoms of serotonin syndrome, but this generally happens when combined with another medication that increases serotonin levels.
Serotonin syndrome is a medical emergency that can progress rapidly to respiratory failure and result in a fatal overdose, so immediate recognition and medical help are essential.
How Much Zoloft Does It Take To Overdose?
Taking a Zoloft dose over 200mg is considered an overdose of Zoloft. Zoloft is typically taken in doses of 50mg–200mg per day. However, it is possible to overdose on Zoloft even within that range.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Zoloft Overdose?
Symptoms of Zoloft overdose can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Shakiness
- Increased heart rate
In more severe cases, an overdose can lead to seizures or coma.
Other Zoloft Side Effect Complications
A small minority of children, teenagers, and young adults (under 25 years old) who took antidepressants such as Zoloft during clinical studies experienced suicidal thoughts.
If you suddenly stop taking your serotonin-related antidepressant, you may have some unpleasant reactions. These include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Being irritable or angry
- Feeling dizzy or like you’re spinning
- Having strange sensations (like electric shocks)
- Trembling
- Being anxious
- Feeling confused
- Headaches
- Feeling tired
- Being emotional
- Having trouble sleeping
- Feeling too happy or excited (hypomania)
- Hearing noises in your ears (tinnitus)
- Seizures
So it’s usually better to reduce the dose gradually instead of stopping suddenly if possible.
Zoloft is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for treating depression, but it can also be very addictive. Zinnia Health helps people overcome their addiction to this drug by providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. Call our helpline today at (855) 430-9439 to get started.
What Increases the Risk of a Zoloft Overdose?
Several factors can increase the risk of a Zoloft overdose, including taking higher-than-recommended doses, taking multiple medications that affect serotonin levels, and having certain medical conditions.
Why Does a Zoloft Overdose Occur?
There are a few possible explanations:
- Taking too much of the drug can overwhelm the body’s ability to metabolize it. This can cause the medicine to build up in the bloodstream and lead to potentially dangerous side effects.
- Zoloft can interact with other medications, including those taken for anxiety or depression. These interactions can cause the body to process the drug more slowly, leading to a buildup of the active ingredient in the bloodstream.
- People who abuse Zoloft by crushing and snorting the pills are at risk of overdosing because they cannot control how much of the drug they are taking.
How To Tell Someone Is on Zoloft
People who are on Zoloft may show a few different signs.
- They are more agitated or anxious than usual.
- They lose interest in activities they used to enjoy and have difficulty concentrating.
- They may be experiencing changes in their sleep patterns and appetite.
Why Would Someone Take Zoloft?
Antidepressant use in the United States is widespread. Some people may abuse Zoloft to self-medicate their mental health symptoms.
How To Help Someone With a Zoloft Use Disorder
If you think someone you know may be struggling with a Zoloft use disorder, there are some things you can do to help.
- Try to talk to the person about your concerns. It’s essential to be open and honest and avoid judgment. Let the person know you’re there for them and want to help.
- Offer to help them seek medical advice. If the person is resistant to seeking help, you can gently encourage them by pointing out the potential benefits of treatment.
- Be supportive throughout the entire process. Addiction is a difficult journey, but with the right help, it’s possible to overcome it.
Zinnia Health can help people overcome Zoloft substance abuse by providing a safe and nurturing environment that promotes healing and recovery.We are here to support you on your journey to recovery. Call our helpline at (855) 430-9439.
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