Fluoxetine Overdose - Signs, First Aid, Treatment, Consequences

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Fluoxetine overdose

Fluoxetine (active ingredient of Prozac, Profluzac, Prodep, etc.) is a third generation antidepressant. Its action is to increase the concentration of serotonin in the tissues of the brain, which is called the "hormone of joy", and as a result, to improve mood and eliminate symptoms of a depressive state.

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When fluoxetine appeared on the pharmaceutical market, it was positioned by the manufacturer as an effective drug, completely devoid of any side effects. However, over the years of its use in clinical practice, it has been found that it is far from being as harmless as previously thought. Despite this, fluoxetine continues to be a widely used drug, and overdose cases are not uncommon.

How much fluoxetine is needed for an overdose?

Taking fluoxetine begins with a daily dose of 20 mg, which is taken in the morning, divided into two doses. If necessary, the daily dose can be increased to 80 mg. It should be increased gradually, by no more than 20 mg per day.

Exceeding the therapeutic dose leads to an overdose.

Signs of overdose

The main signs of a fluoxetine overdose are:

• cardiopalmus;
• nausea and vomiting;
• increased body temperature;
• seizures;
• increased drowsiness, lethargy;
• delirium, hallucinations;
• lowering blood pressure (BP);
• fainting conditions.

The intensity of overdose symptoms depends not only on the dose taken, but also on the initial state of health. In case of a severe overdose, the victim develops a coma, respiratory and cardiovascular insufficiency increases, which can ultimately lead to death.

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First aid for fluoxetine overdose

First aid for overdose should be as quick as possible:

1. Flush the stomach. You should drink about 1 liter of cool water, then, pressing on the root of the tongue, induce vomiting. Repeat several times. It makes no sense to wash the stomach if more than 1 hour has passed since the moment of taking the drug. It is forbidden to flush the stomach at home for people in an unconscious state and young children, due to the high risk of developing aspiration pneumonia or airway obstruction.
2. Take an enterosorbent, for example, Activated carbon in the form of a water suspension (tablets at the rate of 1 tab. For every 10 kg of weight, crush into a fine powder and stir in ½ glass of water). Instead of Activated Carbon, you can use Smecta, Filtrum STI or any other sorbent.
3. In case of loss of consciousness, the victim is laid on his side and remains with him until the ambulance arrives. This prevents possible airway obstruction with vomit or a sunken tongue.

Antidote

There is no specific antidote to fluoxetine.

When is medical attention needed?

Fluoxetine overdose always requires emergency medical attention. Hospitalization is carried out in the toxicology department, and in severe cases - in the intensive care and intensive care unit. Symptomatic treatment is carried out (relief of seizures, stabilization of blood pressure, activation of the nervous system), maintenance of vital functions.

Extracorporeal detoxification methods (forced diuresis, exchange blood transfusion, plasmapheresis, hemosorption, hemodialysis) are not effective in this case.

Possible consequences

In most cases, the prognosis for an overdose is favorable; with timely medical care, complications are avoided.

A severe overdose of fluoxetine in combination with other antidepressants or tranquilizers is very dangerous; in this case, a lethal outcome is possible.

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Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author

Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.

Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.

The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!