Drug and Alcohol
Can You Overdose on Lexapro? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Can you overdose on Lexapro? Although it's rare, exceeding your prescription or mixing Lexapro with other medications can have severe, even fatal outcomes.
Lexapro, or escitalopram, is an SSRI that’s commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) — but like most medications, it carries potential for overdose.
SSRI overdoses are rare, but not impossible, and extremely high doses can lead to serotonin syndrome and death. By adhering to your prescription and being mindful of other medications that can increase these risks, you can ensure your safety while benefitting from Lexapro’s legitimate medical uses.
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro is a brand name for escitalopram, which is an antidepressant in the SSRI class (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) that’s commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates your mood, memory, sleep, and appetite, in your brain. In other words, Lexapro boosts serotonin levels to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Can You Overdose on Lexapro?
Although fatal overdoses with SSRIs are quite rare, a Lexapro overdose can occur if you take more than your prescribed dose, combine it with other substances or medications, or in the case of intentional overdose.
Certain factors like your age, weight, and overall health can also influence how your body handles Lexapro, potentially leading to an overdose if it isn’t metabolized properly. In severe cases, an overdose on Lexapro can be life-threatening and trigger serotonin syndrome, highlighting the importance of adhering to your prescription and proceeding with caution.
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What Causes a Lexapro Overdose?
A Lexapro overdose can be caused by exceeding your prescription, combining it with other medications or substances that elevate serotonin levels, or intentional overdose.
The general starting dosage of Lexapro is 10 mg, taken once daily. According to NIH studies, light overdose symptoms typically occur at 30 times this dosage, with serious symptoms arising at between 50 and 75 times the daily dose, and fatal outcomes potentially occurring at or above 150 times the recommended dosage.
Symptoms of Lexapro Overdose
The symptoms of a Lexapro overdose vary depending on how much you exceed the daily dose, as well as how your body metabolizes it and whether you’ve co-ingested it with other serotonin-inducing substances. We’ll run through the full list of potential overdose symptoms, before specifying which symptoms can arise with different dosages.
Common Symptoms of Lexapro Overdose
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Extreme drowsiness (somnolence)
Rapid heartbeat (sinus tachycardia)
Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
Seizures (convulsions)
Confusion
Fainting
Lowered blood pressure (hypotension)
Tremors
Coma
Insomnia
ECG changes
QT prolongation
Serotonin toxicity
Dose-Specific Lexapro Overdose Symptoms
Moderate Overdose (30x Daily Dose)
A moderate overdose of 30 times the daily dose of Lexapro leaves either no symptoms, or minor symptoms of drowsiness or nausea.
Higher Overdose (50-75x Daily Dose)
At between 50 and 75 times the daily dose or higher, symptoms of drowsiness, tremors, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Other serious symptoms like ECG changes, reduced consciousness, and seizures could also arise.
Acute Overdose (Greater than 150x Daily Dose)
Death is a possible outcome with doses of 150 times the daily dose or greater, and the risks rise if Lexapro is mixed with other drugs.
Can Lexapro Overdose Cause Serotonin Syndrome?
Another severe symptom of Lexapro overdose is serotonin syndrome, which occurs due to excessive levels of serotonin in the brain. If you take too high of a dose of Lexapro or combine it with other medications that also elevate serotonin levels (i.e. other antidepressants, pain medications, or OTC drugs), the risks for developing serotonin syndrome rise dramatically.
Serotonin syndrome is considered a life-threatening condition. It can result in high fever, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and serious muscle rigidity, all of which can be fatal if not urgently and properly treated. Other critical functions, like your heart rate and blood pressure, can also become unstable — potentially leading to cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Immediate medical attention is needed to manage these symptoms and prevent potentially fatal outcomes.
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Treatment for Lexapro Overdose
If a Lexapro overdose occurs, immediate medical intervention is critical to keep you stabilized and effectively manage symptoms. Your doctor will start by maintaining your airway to establish continuous oxygenation, before possibly administering activated charcoal to absorb the medication, providing IV fluids to maintain hydration levels, or using medications to manage symptoms like seizures or agitation. You’ll then be put under observation to monitor your vitals, including your body temperature, heart and breathing rate, and blood pressure, to ensure your safety and a smooth recovery.
What to Do If a Lexapro Overdose Occurs
If a Lexapro overdose occurs, seek urgent medical attention by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room. Overdoses can sometimes be linked to suicidal thoughts, so it’s important to address any mental health emergencies right away. You can also reach out for free, 24/7 support by calling or texting 988 to speak with a suicide and crisis expert.
If you’re unable to make the call yourself, find someone who can take you to the hospital. When you get there, try to provide as much information as possible, such as the number of tablets taken, any other medications or substances involved, and the time of ingestion. This information will help doctors determine the best course of treatment to manage the overdose and ensure your safety.
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How to Avoid a Lexapro Overdose
Carefully following your doctor’s instructions is key to avoiding and preventing an overdose on Lexapro. Be sure to take the prescribed dose at the same time each day, and don’t take more than is recommended — even if you feel your current dose isn’t working.
If you miss a dose, don’t double up; just take the next dose as scheduled. Also, be mindful of any other medications or supplements you’re taking, as some drugs (especially other antidepressants) can interact with Lexapro and increase the risk of overdose.
If you have any concerns about your dosage or side effects, talk to your doctor before making any changes.
Closing Thoughts on Lexapro Overdose
While SSRI overdoses, including those involving Lexapro, are rare, they can still occur at high doses or when co-ingested with other medications. With this in mind, it’s absolutely essential that you closely follow your prescription and avoid mixing Lexapro with other drugs that elevate serotonin levels. Also, understanding the symptoms of an overdose — and knowing the immediate steps to take if you or a loved one experiences them — can be life-saving.
Prioritize your safety by adhering to medical advice and seeking prompt medical attention if an overdose occurs; by doing so, you can safely benefit from Lexapro’s therapeutic effects while mitigating potential risks.
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Written by
Monty MontgomeryContent Writer
Reviewed by
Jeremy ArztChief Clinical Officer
Drug and Alcohol
October 22, 2024
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a Lexapro overdose can be fatal. Taking too much Lexapro can lead to severe health issues like serotonin syndrome, which is potentially life-threatening. Symptoms of an overdose might include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, convulsions, and even coma. If you suspect an overdose, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications or death.
Long-term effects of a Lexapro overdose can vary depending on the severity and how quickly treatment is received. Potential long-term issues include persistent cardiovascular problems, kidney damage, and neurological effects like seizures. In some cases, there might be lasting impacts on mental health, such as increased anxiety or depression.
Yes, it’s possible to develop a tolerance to Lexapro over time. This means that the medication may become less effective at the same dose, requiring adjustments by your healthcare provider. Tolerance can lead to the need for higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect, which should always be managed under medical supervision.
It’s generally not safe to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro. Alcohol can increase the side effects of Lexapro, such as drowsiness and dizziness, and can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Mixing the two can also reduce the effectiveness of the medication, making it harder to manage your mental health condition.
Complications from a Lexapro overdose can be serious and include serotonin syndrome, which can cause high fever, agitation, increased heart rate, and muscle rigidity. Other complications might involve severe cardiovascular issues, seizures, and acute kidney failure. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to manage these risks and prevent long-term damage.