Lexapro Overdose | Signs & Safety Precautions

Although Lexapro may help those suffering from certain health problems, this antidepressant drug can lead to an escitalopram overdose when abused or combined with certain substances such as alcohol.

Escitalopram oxalate (brand name Lexapro) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant prescription drug used to treat mental health disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Signs Of Lexapro Overdose

If a person experiences a Lexapro overdose, various side effects, signs, and symptoms can take place.

Common Side Effects Of An Overdose

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some of the overdose effects of escitalopram may include:

• drowsiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• insomnia
• hypotension
• dizziness
• convulsions
• coma

Serotonin Syndrome

A serious, life-threatening health issue can occur when a person abuses Lexapro or combines the antidepressant with other drugs. Serotonin toxicity, or serotonin syndrome, may take place.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), may consist of:

• confusion
• shivering
• seizures
• fever
• muscle tightness

General Side Effects

When taking Lexapro, a person may experience a number of side effects such as:

• weight gain or weight loss
• dry mouth
• difficulty sleeping
• sexual dysfunction
• constipation
• pain behind the eyes
• fluctuations in blood pressure

An overdose can lead to the worsening of these effects.

Safety Precautions For Avoiding Lexapro Overdose

In order to avoid an overdose of Lexapro, there are a number of precautions to take, including taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Know The Drug Interactions

There are a number of adverse effects which can occur in those who combine Lexapro with other substances. In order to avoid any drug interactions, speak with your healthcare provider before taking:

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• antipsychotics drugs such pimozide (Orap)
• supplements
• serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• other SSRIs such as paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft)
• tricyclic antidepressants
• central nervous system depressants such as benzodiazepines or opioids
• blood thinners
• over-the-counter medications including ibuprofen
• isocarboxazid
• St. John’s Wort
• methylene blue
• tramadol (Conzip)
• serotonergic medications

Any of these substances or medications may interfere with Lexapro, so be sure to consult your doctor for medical advice. Serious side effects or an allergic reaction can take place if drugs are combined or abused.

Be Aware Of Any Medical Conditions

Before taking Lexapro, speak with your doctor if you suffer from any certain medical conditions. For instance, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid Lexapro, as the drug may pass from mother to child.

In addition to this, those who take Lexapro who have certain mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder may experience suicidal thoughts or hypomania. If you or your family have a history of mental illness, notify your healthcare representative.

Those with a family history of heart disease may also need to avoid Lexapro to prevent any heart problems. Those taking Lexapro may experience an irregular heart rate or QT prolongation.

Seek Urgent Medical Attention

If you suspect a Lexapro overdose has occurred, seeking medical attention is the first course of action. Contact 911 immediately.

Once at the emergency room, a doctor may give you activated charcoal which can help to absorb some of the drug before it enters your system. Knowing the substances abused will help doctors provide accurate care for the type of overdose endured.

If you or a loved one live with prescription drug addiction, contact us today to learn how we can help.