Recognizing the Symptoms of a Zoloft Overdose

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Zoloft Overdose Depression Treatment Medication Print Symptoms of a Zoloft Overdose By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 14, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids In This Article Table of Contents Expand Overdosing Symptoms Serotonin Syndrome Getting Medical Assistance Treatment Next Steps View All Zoloft (sertraline) is a popular medication used to treat an array of mental disorders and belongs to a class of antidepressants  known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).??  Zoloft is usually prescribed for anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder  (PTSD). Its also used to treat major depressive ?disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee Overdosing A persons tolerance for a particular drug depends on several factors, including age, body weight, overall health, and whether theyve taken any other substances along with it. These variables make it hard  to generalize whether a particular amount of Zoloft is potentially harmful. One dose of this drug may be exactly right for relieving symptoms for one person, while the same amount of medication could lead to an overdose in another. If you think that  you or someone else has taken an overdose of Zoloft, get help  right away. If youre  feeling suicidal, call your doctor, a suicide hotline,  or emergency medical services. Symptoms Someone whos taken too much Zoloft could have any one or a combination of many potential reactions. However, there are a few symptoms of Zoloft overdose that are common. There are others that are less common but more severe, with medical consequences. Common Symptoms Sleepiness Nausea or vomiting Dizziness Fever Confusion Rapid heartbeat Agitation Shakiness Severe Symptoms Fainting Heart problems Changes in blood pressure (higher or lower than normal) Seizures Delirium Hallucinations Stupor Mania Inflammation of the pancreas Serotonin syndrome Signs of an Antidepressant Overdose Serotonin Syndrome Too much Zoloft also can also lead to a life-threatening  condition called serotonin syndrome, in which dangerously high levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin build up in the brain.?? Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include muscle rigidity, hallucinations, confusion, seizures, and coma. Serotonin syndrome is most likely to happen if another drug that affects serotonin has been taken along with Zoloft.?? Getting Medical Assistance Its important to note that if you or someone you know has accidentally taken a higher dose of Zoloft than prescribed, its a good idea to get help right away before the drug has a chance to cause unpleasant or dangerous symptoms. If a trip to an emergency room isnt possible for some reason, call your local Poison Control center. The staff there is trained to be able to assess your situation over the phone and give advice about what to do. Poison Control is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, you can reach their toll-free national hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or by going to PoisonHelp.org. To save this information on your smartphone so youll always have it handy, text POISON to 797979. Information to Have Ready When you go to the ER or call Poison Control, the more information youre able to provide, the more precise the treatment can be.  It will be helpful if you have the following information available: How much Zoloft was consumed (actual amount or your best guess)The regular dosage (what the doctor prescribed)The persons age, sex, and weightHow long its been since the drug was takenAny other drugs or supplements that may have been taken along with ZoloftWhether there was the intention to commit suicideCurrent symptoms Treatment If the overdose has been taken fairly recently, it may be possible to pump your or your loved ones stomach to remove any of the drug that hasnt been absorbed yet. Another option is to use activated charcoal, which will soak up any remaining medication in the stomach. Theres no antidote for a Zoloft overdose. This means the most that can be done is carefully monitoring your or your loved ones vital signsâ€"heart rate, breathing, and blood pressureâ€"and treating any problems that may arise. Its important to note that SSRIs like Zoloft rarely cause death, even with an overdose; most deaths are due to co-ingestion with other drugs. ?? Next Steps Following treatment for a Zoloft overdose, people generally make a full recovery once the drug has fully left their system.?? The next step is to make sure that an overdose does not happen again.   If the overdose was accidental, your doctor will advise you on what to do next, which may involve switching to a different antidepressant or adjusting your dosage. There are a few things you can do to prevent an accidental overdose: If you happen to miss a dose of your medication, you should take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, however, simply skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular time.You should never take two doses of Zoloft at the same time, as it can lead to an accidental overdose.Avoid taking Zoloft with other prescription antidepressants.Talk to your doctor about any other medications you may be taking.Avoid recreational substance use to reduce the risk of overdose or interactions. If the overdose was intentional, short-term treatment may involve hospitalization until the risk of suicide is no longer imminent. Zoloft use may be suspended and health professionals may advise switching to another type of antidepressant if sertraline has not been effective in reducing depressive symptoms.   Long-term treatments may then involve the use of antidepressants, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support to address suicidal thoughts and symptoms of depression. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are thinking about harming yourself, call 911 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Precautions You Should Take Before Taking Zoloft