Can You Overdose on Prozac? Symptoms, Causes, & Precautions

Can You Overdose on Fluoxetine (Prozac)?

A Prozac overdose may occur accidentally when a person takes Prozac while using alcohol or taking certain medications. Or, a person may intentionally take too much Prozac, trying to harm themselves. A Prozac overdose may cause serious harm or become life-threatening. No matter the cause, working closely with a physician is important while taking Prozac. Discuss all medications and health conditions with your doctor to reduce the chances of an antidepressant overdose.

When Should You Seek Immediate Help for a Prozac Overdose?

Overdoses can be life-threatening emergencies and require immediate medical attention. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, are less toxic compared to other antidepressants. Still, if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of overdose call 911 immediately. If you are not able to contact emergency services immediately, call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. ¹

Symptoms of a Prozac Overdose

A mild-to-moderate Prozac overdose may cause few, if any, noticeable symptoms.² Still, it is best to seek immediate medical attention in case symptoms worsen. The dosage that can cause an overdose can vary based on the individual, their other medical conditions, medications, dosage, and other factors. Usually, the more serious effects of Prozac overdose occur when Prozac is taken with other substances, such as alcohol or some medications.²

Common symptoms of a Prozac overdose include:³

• Nausea & vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Increased heart rate
• Restlessness
• Tremor
• Agitation

Serious symptoms of a Prozac overdose include:³

• Coma
• Delirium/confusion
• Seizures
• Abnormal heart rates and rhythms
• Changes in blood pressure)
• Fainting spells
• Mania
• Fever
• Rigid muscles
• Increased sweating

What Can Cause a Prozac Overdose?

Although not common, overdose can be caused by a high dose of Prozac alone. More serious symptoms of Prozac overdose are often seen when it is taken with another substance that increases serotonin, such as other antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. ²

Taking More Than the Prescribed Dosage

Accidental overdose can occur if an individual does not believe that their current medication dosage is not adequate and thus is not working. However, it is important to note and be reminded that SSRIs, including Prozac, can take weeks before any effects can be noticed.

Taking Prozac with Other Substances

The potential of overdose and worsened symptoms of overdose when taking Prozac is seen when it is combined with other substances. Prozac is broken down in the body by the liver, as are other substances, such as medications and alcohol. Having too many substances processed by the liver in the body together may lead to an increased concentration of serotonin.

Substances that can increase the risk of a Prozac overdose when used together include:

• Alcohol: Alcohol use can impair liver function. Using alcohol and Prozac together can make it more difficult for the liver to also process Prozac in the body. This may lead to a build-up of Prozac in the body and may cause excessive drowsiness.
• St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort is a supplement used to treat depression symptoms. It has the potential to increase serotonin levels in the body and it is also processed by the liver, potentially affecting serotonin levels in two ways.

This is not a comprehensive list of substances that can interact with Prozac. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about all herbs, supplements, and over-the-counter medications you take before starting Prozac.

Taking Prozac with Other Medications

Prozac can interact in harmful ways with many different medications. To prevent this, discuss all the medications you use with your physician. They may choose to switch your antidepressant, change one of your other medications, or adjust dosages to treat your symptoms with less risk.

• Benzodiazepines*: Much like alcohol, benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness and impact a person’s ability to think clearly. These effects can be enhanced when taking Prozac.
• Other medications that affect serotonin: Prozac affects serotonin levels in the body, as do many other antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and other medications.  Too much of an increase can lead to serotonin syndrome.
• Medications that affect heart rate: Prozac can affect a person’s heart rate, and should be used with caution when combined with other medications that affect the heart rate. This includes some antipsychotics, antihistamines, heart medications, and antibiotics.

This is not a comprehensive list of medications that can interact with Prozac. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about all herbs, supplements, and over-the-counter medications you take before starting Prozac.

Can a Prozac Overdose Cause Complications?

Overdoses due to Prozac are rarely fatal and most people are able to make a full recovery. However, treatment and monitoring are still necessary to prevent and treat any further complications. The sooner a person’s overdose can be treated, the better their recovery and outcome. Delayed treatment could increase the risk of health problems, especially with cardiac symptoms.

Serotonin Syndrome

Too much serotonin activity can lead to a life-threatening syndrome known as serotonin syndrome. The risk of serotonin syndrome is increased when multiple substances affecting serotonin are in the body together, such as Prozac and alcohol or another antidepressant. Seek immediate medical care if you or a loved one taking Prozac experience severe symptoms, or if you suspect an overdose.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:³

• Increased irritation/agitation
• Hallucinations
• Delirium
• Coma
• Increased blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Tremors
• Muscle rigidity
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Prozac Overdose Symptoms Vs. Side Effects

Medication side effects and overdose symptoms share some similarities. However, the overdose symptoms will typically be more severe and only occur after taking more than prescribed. Prozac side effects can occur when taking a prescribed dose.

Common Side Effects of Prozac

The right dose of Prozac can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Although the side effects of Prozac might not be severe for you, they can still be bothersome. The benefits of the medication must be balanced against its negative side effects by both you and your physicians. If it is deemed that the negative side effects of this medication outweigh its benefits, a change might be made – be it reducing the dosage or trying another treatment.

Common side effects of Prozac include: ³

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Increased fatigue
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sweating
• Increased feelings of anxiety/nervousness
• Weight changes
• Loss of appetite
• Rash

Seeking Professional Help for a Prozac Overdose

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of overdose call 911 immediately. Overdoses require immediate medical attention so symptoms can be monitored and treated as they emerge. If you are not able to contact emergency services immediately, call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.¹

Here is information important to share when seeking treatment for a Prozac overdose:

• Current signs and symptoms
• Regular dosage amount
• Other medications
• Other substances taken with Prozac
• When the overdose occurred
• The amount of Prozac taken
• How the medication was taken
• Current health conditions including allergies
• Whether the overdose was intentional or accidental

Prozac Overdose Treatment

If there are symptoms of an overdose, immediate medical attention is required and 911 must be called immediately. However, if you are not able to contact emergency services immediately, call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. ¹

Treatment of Prozac overdose depends on the severity of symptoms. Symptoms can often be mild, but a person who is drowsy may need help breathing. A person may be observed for 4-6 hours with milder symptoms, and at least 24 hours with more severe symptoms.

Emergency treatment for an overdose on Prozac might include:

• Ensuring a clear airway
• Monitoring vitals
• Cardiac monitoring
• Pregnancy tests in women
• Checking for symptoms of serotonin syndrome
• Activated charcoal
• Continued observation and supportive care

Next Steps After a Prozac Overdose

The first step after receiving treatment for a Prozac overdose is identifying why that overdose happened. Was it accidental or was it intentional? In either case, your treatment regimen needs to be rediscussed with your physician to prevent any future overdoses.

If the Overdose of Prozac Was Unintentional

An overdose may occur if a person takes more than their usual dose because they don’t think their medication is working. It can also occur if the person is not tracking when they take their medication. Discuss your treatment plan with your healthcare provider to identify the reason and avoid accidents in the future. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend other therapies to help you manage symptoms.

Next steps to consider after an unintentional Prozac overdose include:

• Taking your medication exactly as prescribed: It is important to take your medication as prescribed to avoid any discrepancies which can lead to accidental overdoses. Talk with your doctor to be clear about how and when to take your medication.
• Consult with your psychiatrist: Consult your psychiatrist regarding your dosage, medication interactions, etc, to prevent accidental overdose again.
• Avoid combining substances: Combining substances can affect the way your medication is supposed to work. Avoid unknown and dangerous interactions by avoiding using other substances with Prozac unless previously discussed with your physician.

If the Overdose of Prozac was Intentional

If the overdose was intentional, depression symptoms may be untreated or undertreated. It’s also important to understand whether Prozac use may be related to increased suicidal thoughts. Additional medication or therapy might be added to your current treatment regimen in order to help prevent future events and to help you feel better sooner.

Next steps to consider after an intentional Prozac overdose include:

• Seek therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you address symptoms of depression, reducing your risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm.
• Consulting your psychiatrist: Discuss your medication and depression symptoms with your physician. They may consider adjusting your medication if your current medication regimen is not working for you.
• Seek help for self-harm: If you are harming yourself or having suicidal thoughts, seek immediate help by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.

Avoid alcohol and other mind-altering (non-prescribed) substances: Alcohol and other substances can alter your mood, potentially making your depression symptoms feel worse. Avoiding these substances may help you reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.