I've been perscribed a dose of 20 mlg of Lexapro recently (about 14 days ago) and it turns out I was taking 40 mlg a day (two pills) instead of just the 20 (one pill). I didn't mean to overdose, but I have three other medications I take for anxiety and depression, including Klonopin and Abilify, and I got the perscriptions mixed up and kept taking 2 pills of Lexapro when the pills were just 5mlg size, so I continued taking two pills even when the sizes increased and I was only supposed to take one. What's going to happen to me? Is this bad? Am I really screwed up now that I've been overdosing on Lexapro for 2 weeks? What's happening to me?
2007-12-27 09:54:28 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a escitalopram overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat.
2007-12-27 10:07:44 · answer #1 · answered by laura_c1 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
From what I can find on the various sites, generally an overdose of that level isn't fatal - in fact you'd likely be dead by now if it was, but can have some odd side effects like nausea, vomiting, tiredness etc.
As mentioned it does have to go through your liver so you're making that work harder which isn't a great idea, but from what I can find there are higher doses possible so I'd just switch back to your normal dose and contact your doc just to be sure.
2007-12-27 10:17:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
40mg does not seem to be an overdose level. It seems to be what would be prescribed for very severe cases. You should consult with your doctor about returning to the 20mg level that was actually prescribed for you. He/she might want you do get back to that level gradually.
Call the doctor that prescribed the lexapro for you so you will know what to do. If you cant reach the office have the service send your message and the doctor will call you so you can relax about this.
Like others have posted here is the webmd info on your medication:
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63990-Lexapro+Oral.aspx?drugid=63990&drugname=Lexapro+Oral
2007-12-27 10:33:55 · answer #3 · answered by The Journeyman 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm on Lexapro too and from what my Dr. told me it (and other anti-depression meds) work by raising the serotonin levels in your brain. I'm not a doctor but I would guess that taking more than prescribed would just increase the rate at which your serotonin levels rise but don't take my word on it. I really think you should call your doctor's office tomorrow and let them know that you've been taking more than what was prescribed just to play it safe.
Good Luck!
2007-12-27 10:02:32 · answer #4 · answered by PA_Cougar 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since there does not seem to have been any ill effects so far, just return to the prescribed dose. I doubt if there will be any long term ill effects from the increased dose. You may want to check with your pharmacist or doctor, just to be sure.
Do not waste your time paying attention to the cute and clever children that answer the question.
2007-12-27 10:32:51 · answer #5 · answered by hamrrfan 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have nothing to worry about since you have not had any negative side effects as of yet. You will be fine. Just be greatful that you noticed it as soon as you did. Many peopl e are prescribed a lot more than that, so it is nothing to worry about. Calm down. You will be jsut fine hun.
2007-12-27 10:03:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
contact ur dr and let them be aware it is important.drugs.com is free and it can answer things like how u wld feel if overdosed.but ur pharmacy is also a good one to contact they have the facts
2007-12-27 10:06:55 · answer #7 · answered by Psychologist In The House 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need all that medicine! Our country over prescribes. you should learn how to cope with your depression and anxiety without medicine.
2007-12-27 10:04:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
your liver begins to slowly die and it cant take no more of the medicine, so you should stop before its too late
2007-12-27 10:02:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Call your pharmacist and tell him what happened and ask him what you should do about it.
2007-12-27 10:03:57 · answer #10 · answered by betty 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋