Can you Overdose on Zoloft?
Can you overdose on Zoloft? Yes. Zoloft overdose can occur. However, it is more commonly seen in those who use the drug in combination with alcohol or other medications and substances. Overdosing on Zoloft alone is rarely seen. It can produce little to no symptoms and usually occurs by accident. Zoloft is a prescription antidepressant medication used to treat symptoms of depression, OCD, anxiety disorders, PTSD and panic disorders.
An overdose occurs when you take a dose of medication that is more than recommended. A typical dose can range anywhere from 50mg to 200mg per day. Anything more than that can be considered a high risk for overdose. Taking any dose other than what is prescribed can put you at risk for dangerous and life-threatening side effects. An overdose on Zoloft alone rarely causes fatalities and it is possible to recover from the overdose when treated properly.
Zoloft is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is considered one of the newer generations of antidepressants that are better tolerated. A report from the American Association of Poison Control Centers found that over 50,000 overdoses involved SSRIs such as Zoloft. There were reported 102 deaths and all but one involved a combination of substances that included SSRIs like Zoloft.
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is the brand name for the prescription antidepressant sertraline. It is FDA-approved to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is also prescribed for various off-label uses such as binge eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorders, bulimia, social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Studies have found that the lack of serotonin in the brain can evoke symptoms of anxiety, mania and other mental health conditions.
When antidepressants like Zoloft are taken, they help chemically increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. The SSRI works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and brain chemical hormone that influences learning, memory, happiness, body temperature, sleep, sexual behavior and hunger. It is more commonly referred to as the happy chemical.
How long does it take for the effects of Zoloft to occur?
It typically can take anywhere between 4-6 weeks of taking the medication to notice significant symptom relief. A typical dosage of 25mg can be increased to a max of around 100mg. Taking a dose higher than 200mg daily will increase the risk of experiencing an overdose.
Your dose of medication will also depend on many different factors. Factors such as age, body weight, kidney and liver health, history of mental health issues and whether you are taking any other medications can impact Zoloft dosage.
Zoloft Overdose
Overdosing on any drug occurs when a person takes too much. Too much of the substance can overwhelm the body, hindering its ability to metabolize the substance. This causes a toxic medication buildup in the bloodstream, leading to dangerous side effects. The intensity of overdose can also range from mild to severe, depending on how much medication was taken.
Those who abuse Zoloft often do so by crushing and snorting pills. When this happens, users are unaware of how much they have actually ingested. They are not able to control how much of the drug they have taken. An overdose can occur on purpose or by accident in those who are unaware of the risks and are unaware of the interaction of the drug with other medications.
Common symptoms of Zoloft overdose include:
- Tremors
- Lethargy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Sleepiness
- Shakiness
- Increased heart rate
- Restlessness and agitation
- Loss of consciousness
- Fever
- Changes in blood pressure
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Mania
- Seizures
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Serotonin syndrome
Check Your Insurance Coverage for FREE
Find out if your insurance covers addiction treatment in minutes. We accept most insurance!
What is Serotonin Syndrome?
Zoloft increases serotonin levels in the brain. Too much serotonin is rare. But it can cause toxicity. This is also known as serotonin syndrome. It is a rare but serious condition that is most likely to occur when you take multiple drugs that both increase levels of serotonin. It can cause symptoms such as muscle rigidity, hallucinations, confusion, seizures, fever and coma.
Serotonin syndrome occurs in about 15% of SSRI overdoses. It can mainly happen when you mix Zoloft with another serotonin-increasing medication.
Different ways you can overdose on Zoloft
- Accidental overdose. Accidental overdose occurs when you take more of a drug than is prescribed by a medical provider. This can occur due to confusion, forgetfulness or even misunderstanding instructions.
- Intentional overdose. An intentional overdose occurs when a person deliberately takes more of the drug than prescribed in an attempt to do self-harm or self-medicate.
- Drug interactions. Zoloft can interact with other drugs that impact serotonin levels such as MDMA or other types of antidepressants.
- Medical conditions. If you have other medical conditions that put you at high risk for overdose such as liver impairment or kidney impairment, you could be at high risk for overdose.
What to do if someone is experiencing a Zoloft Overdose?
There is no antidote or medication to treat a Zoloft overdose. If you are someone who may be experiencing an overdose, call 911 emergency services immediately. Knowing the early signs of overdose can help prevent dangerous situations. Signs such as extreme tiredness and weakness, changes in heart rate and nausea and vomiting are early indicators that it can be an overdose. In some cases, a low overdose can cause no symptoms at all or can be delayed for several hours.
If you go to the ER, doctors can have your stomach pumped to remove all substances. Doctors can also use activated charcoal to absorb the medication. Doctors can sedate you with benzos to help calm any symptoms of extreme agitation. And doctors can prescribe IV fluids or serotonin-blocking drugs to help address symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Zoloft is an antidepressant medication that when used with other substances, can cause an overdose. It is a rare occurrence, but it can still be very dangerous. Behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide all the tools, resources and support needed cwhen it comes to substance addiction.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://zinniahealth.com/substance-use/zoloft/overdose
https://www.verywellmind.com/zoloft-overdose-1067483
https://www.addictioncenter.com/antidepressants/zoloft
https://recovered.org/antidepressants/sertraline-zoloft/overdose
https://khealth.com/learn/antidepressants/can-you-overdose-on-zoloft
https://addictionresource.com/drugs/zoloft/overdose