Mental health problems like staying depressed for long, being nervous or restless and under a spell of panic are fast turning into common conditions. Many types of antidepressants are available; a few popular genres include serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), etc. Meds of these categories help manage depression, restlessness, mood swings, etc. However, can you overdose on antidepressants? It becomes a vital aspect to know prior to taking such drugs.
Feeling depressed at times in a natural thing and most of us do feel such way once in a way. However, if you remain down for long, it does not augur well for your mental wellbeing. Mental problems include phobias, anxieties/nervousness, hallucinations, etc. may cause a sizable loss in your productivity level. Thankfully, meds are available for treating depression and other such mental conditions.
What are serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibiting (SNRI) drugs?
SNRIs are meds that trigger transmitting substances – like serotonin as well as norepinephrine – to be readily available in your brain. These drugs essentially control the reuptake (also called as absorption) of transmitters onto your system. Among these two key chemicals, serotonin makes you feel satisfied and happy. In the process, you may sleep better, eat properly and also enjoy emotional wellbeing. On the other hand, norepinephrine can keep you alert and more focused.
What are selective serotonin reuptake inhibiting meds (SSRIs)?
SSRI meds are largely administered to treat anxieties, depression, stressful conditions, panic attacks, etc. The essential chemicals present in SSRIs can regulate sleep cycles, appetite levels and uplift your moods. People who live with urges to perform repetitive activities – such as washing their hands often, double-checking things, being hyperactive etc. – can control such instincts with intake of these meds. Meds of this genre ensure the needful presence of serotonin – a neuro transmitting chemical – in your brain and nervous system.
Can you overdose on antidepressant meds?
Yes, it is possible despite these meds are never made available without prescriptions of a qualified health professional. It is also possible to take on overdose regardless of the genre of antidepressants you are taking. Overdosing occurs when users flout instructions given them. You need to know that your dosage plan is based on your age, degree of the underlying mental condition, pre-existing medical problems – if any, etc. Your caregiver may also understand your metabolic rate prior to deciding on dosage plan. Hence, taking these meds on your own can lead to a likely overdose.
Also, intake of alcohol while you are taking antidepressants can lead to toxic effects. Not all instances of an overdose are intentionally done; in many cases, people can take an excessive dose unintentionally. Some users may increase the dosage strength – without telling their doctor – to bring about a faster remedy. This is quite a counterproductive measure. Such practices may expose you to greater dangers and also near-fatal risks.
In a few cases, users have taken more pills as they think the med – which they took only a few minutes back – consumes a long time to work. These instances occur when you are not aware of the time it takes for the drug to work. You may need to be stay aware of foods like grapefruit or its juice. The grapefruit has chemicals (called furanocoumarin) that interferes with the enzymes that metabolises antidepressant meds. This may cause an otherwise-safe dosage to potentially turn toxic as the drug remains unprocessed within your system.
If you sense a few adverse symptoms – such as migraines/headache, dilation of pupils, being in a confused state of mind, blurring of eyesight, etc. talk to your caregiving team on a top priority basis. But, if you are experiencing fits or convulsions, hypotension, a heart attack, etc. rush to a healthcare setting – like a clinic or a hospital – closer to where you live. To know more on how one may overdose on antidepressant drugs, consult with your doctor/pharmacist before you start your treatment plan.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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