Zoloft is the brand name for the antidepressant medication sertraline, which is approved to treat various mental health conditions including major depressive disorder, several types of anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Taking too much Zoloft is not likely to be fatal, though symptoms such as weakness and vomiting may occur. While more adverse effects from a Zoloft overdose are rare, the likelihood increases if it is taken alongside other substances like antidepressants and alcohol.
In the event of a suspected Zoloft overdose or an emergency, such as loss of consciousness or seizures, contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately.
- A Zoloft overdose may lead to non-lethal symptoms that include weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and changes in heart rate.
- Various substances interact with Zoloft, including other antidepressant medications, particularly those that impact serotonin levels.
- Someone who has intentionally misused Zoloft may require treatment, such as psychotherapeutic interventions.
Zoloft overdose
Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline, an antidepressant medication. It is commonly prescribed to treat a range of mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder.
Taking a higher dose of Zoloft than prescribed can lead to an overdose. Zoloft is typically prescribed at a daily dose of 50-200 mg, often starting with a low dose that can be gradually increased. An overdose is possible when taking any dose higher than prescribed, although the likelihood and severity of overdose symptoms might increase with higher doses. [1][2]
Early signs of Zoloft overdose
Zoloft overdoses are rare, often cause little to no symptoms, and are unlikely to occur accidentally. Signs of a Zoloft overdose might include extreme tiredness and weakness, changes in heart rate, and nausea or vomiting. [3]
Can you die from a Zoloft overdose?
Zoloft overdose is very unlikely to result in death, although adverse effects can occur that can range from mild to severe. However, combining Zoloft with other substances can cause a fatal overdose. [2]
There are various trials and reports detailing the effects of sertraline overdose (not Zoloft specifically). For example, clinical trials of sertraline resulted in 79 nonfatal overdoses, involving up to 30 times the recommended daily dose. [2]
Reports detailing various sertraline overdoses, with a range of quantities consumed, both sertraline-only and sertraline combined with other substances, show no fatalities and full recoveries from all patients. [3][4]
A report compiled by The American Association of Poison Control Centers details over 50,000 overdoses involving SSRIs, mostly sertraline and fluoxetine, with 102 fatalities. Of these deaths, all but one involved a combination of substances, not SSRIs alone. [5]
These reports suggest that sertraline alone rarely causes a fatal overdose and it is possible to recover from sertraline overdose, even after ingesting large quantities. Combining sertraline with other substances, particularly alcohol, may increase the risk of fatality. [2]
Precaution: Excessive Zoloft dose
A recommended starting dose of Zoloft is 25-50 mg per day, which can be increased up to a maximum of 200 mg per day. An overdose may, therefore, be considered to be anything above this amount, with higher doses potentially causing more significant effects.
Appropriate Zoloft dosing will vary from person to person and can depend on the individual’s age, physical and mental health history, additional medication use, and duration of treatment. Speak to your prescribing doctor regarding your appropriate dose.
Zoloft overdose symptoms
The most commonly reported symptoms of Zoloft or sertraline overdose include: [1][6]
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Shaking
- Increased heart rate
- Weakness
- Agitation
Serious effects of Zoloft overdose can include: [1][6]
- Extreme reduction in heart rate
- Seizure
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Mania
- Fever
- Severe change in blood pressure
- Fainting
- Loss of consciousness
- Serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome
Taking a high dose of Zoloft, or combining it with other serotonergic medications (such as other SSRIs like Lexapro), can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a serious or potentially fatal condition. Signs of serotonin syndrome can include: [1]
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Shaking
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Extreme changes in heart rate and blood pressure
What to do in case of a Zoloft overdose
If a Zoloft overdose is suspected, call 911 for immediate care. If the person is responsive, contact a medical professional or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
If possible, try to determine what medications or substances the individual has taken, when, and in what quantities as this can influence treatment options.
Treatment for Zoloft overdose
Treatment for a Zoloft overdose can involve pumping the stomach to remove the remaining medication or ingesting activated charcoal to neutralize the drug. Aside from this, there are no specific treatments for sertraline overdose. The individual will be closely monitored, ensuring adequate breathing. [1][3]
If it is thought that the individual intentionally took an overdose, they may be referred to specialist mental health services and assessed by a professional to determine their mental state and treatment needs. [7]
Sertraline interactions
Sertraline can interact with various substances, increasing the risk of serious effects and overdose. Certain substances can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, including: [1][6]
- Other antidepressants, particularly those that significantly impact serotonin levels such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other SSRIs, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Some substances can increase the risk of sedation, dizziness, and confusion if combined with sertraline, such as:
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Sedatives
- Sleeping pills
- Benzodiazepines
- Anxiolytics
Treatment for intentional Zoloft overdose
If someone has intentionally taken an overdose of Zoloft, they may require professional support to manage suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm. A clinician can help refer to mental health services for appropriate treatment. [1][7]
If the individual is considered a high suicide risk, they might be admitted for short-term inpatient treatment for close monitoring. Additional treatments might include changing their medication and commencing psychotherapy to manage suicidal thoughts and mental health symptoms. [7]
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