Zoloft® is an antidepressant drug that belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs. SSRI antidepressants operate by raising levels of serotonin in the brain. They are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States. Zoloft® carries with it the risk of a number of side effects and symptoms caused by its use, including the threat that it causes birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
Can You Overdose on Zoloft®?
Like any kind of drug, someone who takes more than their prescribed Zoloft® dose runs the risk of a Zoloft® overdose. Overdoses, when accidental, usually occur when patients believe that the drug is not doing enough for them at the prescribed dose. This may be due to a built up tolerance, or simply the imagination of the patient.
Because the positive effects of Zoloft® usually take up to two weeks to show up, Zoloft® is not used as a recreational drug.
What are the Symptoms of a Zoloft® Overdose?
Those who have exceeded their prescribed dose may experience symptoms of a Zoloft® overdose. While this is not a complete list, these are warning signs of an overdose:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular heart beats
- Dizziness and shaking or tremors
Zoloft® Overdose Side Effects
There are several possible Zoloft® overdose side effects and consequences, all of which are serious. Ultimately, like the abuse of any drug, habitual overdoses may eventually lead to a Zoloft® overdose death. Side effects can include:
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations and delirium
While less than one percent of Zoloft® overdose victims die as a result, the odds of death are greatly increase when mixed with other drugs.
Treatment of Zoloft® Overdose
As with all overdoses, the most effective way to prevent a Zoloft® overdose death is to remove the drug from the system. This is usually accomplished by inserting a tube down the throat and "pumping the stomach." Stomach pumping is only effective if the Zoloft® overdose has occurred a short time before receiving treatment.
Other methods of treatment can include using IV fluids, inserting a breathing tube, and using medicine to control irregular heartbeats and blood pressure.
Contact a Zoloft® attorney to learn more.