The levels of hormones in our bodies change all the time – this is how our bodies keep us regulated, healthy and operating appropriately. However, these hormones sometimes fall out of balance and inappropriate levels occur.
When this happens, specific mental health and physical health complications can occur. For example, when serotonin levels in our body fall, depression and anxiety disorders may arise. To combat this, medications like Lexapro may be prescribed for chronic cases. The critical thing to note is the risk of overdose when taking Lexapro.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. In addition, Lexapro may also be prescribed to treat other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
According to the National Library of Medicine, “SSRIs exert their mechanism of action by binding to the sodium-dependent serotonin transporter protein (SERT) in the presynaptic neuron. SERT is responsible for re-uptaking serotonin from the synaptic cleft into the presynaptic neuron. Inactivation of SERT by escitalopram leads to increased synaptic serotonin levels.”
That is, Lexapro works by increasing the levels of serotonin (a mood-regulating hormone) in the brain to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and possibly even increase the quality of sleep.
What are the side effects of Lexapro?
Like any medication, Lexapro may cause side effects, especially when the medication is initially started. Common side effects of Lexapro include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Tremors or shaking
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Fatigue
In some cases, Lexapro may also cause sexual side effects, such as decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm.
While Lexapro is not considered to be physically addictive, some people may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking the medication. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions when discontinuing Lexapro to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, it is crucial to adhere to prescription instructions to prevent any accidental overdose.
Is it possible to overdose on Lexapro?
Yes, taking more than the prescribed dose of Lexapro can lead to an overdose – this can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Overdose may occur if one accidentally double-dosed due to forgetfulness, intentionally takes more of the medication in a suicide attempt, or Lexapro negatively interacts with another medication.
“Combining Lexapro with certain drugs, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other antidepressants, can lead to serotonin syndrome — a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive serotonin levels in the brain.”
If you suspect that you or someone else has overdosed on Lexapro, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention from the nearest emergency room or the Poison Control Center. Inform healthcare providers of the amount of Lexapro that was taken and any other medications or substances that may have been ingested at the time of overdose.
To prevent accidental overdose, it is essential to take Lexapro as prescribed by a healthcare provider and never adjust dosing or frequency unless advised by your doctor. Additionally, specific tools like pill boxes and other medication management tools can effectively help reduce the risk of accidental overdose.
What are the signs of overdose?
Signs of Lexapro overdose are individually dependent based on certain factors like medical history. Whether or not the drug was consumed with other drugs/alcohol, but common signs of overdose include:
- GI irritation, including loud bowel sounds, nausea, vomiting and overall discomfort in the stomach
- Increased sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Restlessness or agitation
- Dry mouth
- Flushed skin
- Involuntary shaking or trembling of the limbs or muscular rigidity/inflexibility
- Sensitivity to light due to dilated pupils
- Fever
If you suspect an overdose of Lexapro, it is important to contact emergency services immediately to help prevent any fatalities from occurring.
Need substance use support?
Suppose you are taking Lexapro but feel like you need more support managing your medication, are not feeling confident in the effectiveness of the medication, or need additional therapies addressing anxiety or depression. In that case, High Focus Centers is here to help.
To learn about our treatment options and recovery programs, call our offices at 800-877-3628 anytime.
