The probability of an accidental overdose with antidepressants increases if the person mixing the medication with alcohol or other prescription medications.
What are the warning signs? According to Medical News Todaymild signs of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and dilated pupils. Other possible indications of an adverse reaction include blurred vision, fever, feeling confused, and headache.
Related news
Some people may experience drowsiness, shakiness, or tremors in the limbs.
Experiencing mild toxicity side effects will be based on the amount of antidepressants taken, the type of antidepressant, and whether alcohol or other medications have been used.
More «serious» warning signs of toxicity may include:
- fast heartbeat
- jerking
- seizures
- hallucinations
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart attack
- Eat
«In severe cases, these symptoms can cause death«he warned Medical News Today.
Antidepressants that interact with other medications can cause «serotonin syndrome.»
This is when there is an overload of serotonin in the body, which can lead to:
- Nausea
- vomiting
- Diarrhea
- spasms
- loss of coordination
- Concern
- abnormal eye movements
- fast heartbeat
- High blood pressure or other changes in blood pressure.
- hallucinations
- confusion or sadness
- A body temperature higher than normal
- Sweating more than usual.
An antidepressant overdose requires emergency care with medical professionals; Therefore, if you find yourself in a situation of these characteristics, it is essential that you call 131 and ask for an ambulance to take you to the nearest health service.
The treatments can include activated carbon for absorb excess medicationa stomach pump and/or benzodiazepines to reduce the feeling of agitation.
«If a person has symptoms of serotonin syndrome, a doctor may give them a serotonin-blocking medication,» the health site added.
«They may also be given IV fluids to counteract dehydration and control blood pressure.»
Once a person’s symptoms have resolved, they may need to stay in the hospital for observation as not all complications manifest immediately.
The harmful effects of antidepressants depend on a person’s weight, age, and metabolism.
Types of antidepressants
There are five main types of antidepressants that work in slightly different ways.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Atypical antidepressants
Antidepressants are prescribed for help alleviate feelings of hopelessness and bad moods.
If a person is still struggling with their mental health after being treated with antidepressants, it is recommended that they go back to the doctor to recalibrate or change drugs and, if the problem still persists, a new diagnosis or working with them should be considered. a neurologist.