Can you overdose on Paxil?

Can you overdose on Paxil?

Yes, you can overdose on Paxil or literally any other medication if you take too much of it. The usual Paxil doses range from 20 mg to 50 mg, with 50 mg being the maximum daily dose. 

Paxil overdose is associated with a number of side effects, but the intensity and severity of these side effects depend on the dose of this antidepressant taken. 

If you have accidentally doubled your daily dose, let’s say you have accidentally taken your 20 mg Paxil twice, you’re not likely to experience life-threatening side effects. 

However, the severity of these side effects also depends on the overall physiological well-being of the person taking the medication. Make sure you call your local medical emergency helpline if you feel unusual after taking an extra dose of Paxil. 

What are the side effects of Paxil overdose? 

The side effects associated with Paxil overdose depend on the total dose consumed and are either mild or severe (1). 

Mild side effects of Paxil Overdose 

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting 
  • Facial Flushing
  • Dizziness 
  • Excessive sweating 
  • Insomnia
  • Palpitations 

Severe side effects of Paxil Overdose 

  • Seizures 
  • Hyperreflexia
  • Vertigo 
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • QT prolongation 
  • Tremors
  • Muscle twitching and muscle pain
  • Shivering and goosebumps
  • Unconsciousness or coma
  • Serotonin syndrome 

Overdosing on very high doses of Paxil has been observed so far and more than 600 mg of Paxil has been used. Even such a high dose of Paxil was not found lethal and the symptoms caused by it were managed at the hospital. 

However, not everyone could get so lucky as meds affect people differently. Make sure you take only as much Paxil as your doctor has prescribed. Always remember, proper use of meds is the key to achieving the best possible therapeutic outcome. 

What to do if you have overdosed on Paxil?

If you have accidentally overdosed on Paxil, call your local medical emergency helpline right away. It is also important to inform your much extra dose you have taken and when. 

The amount of Paxil taken is important to know for your doctor to determine the suitable treatment strategy. Mild overdose does not usually require treatment and there is no typical antidote for Paxil poisoning. 

However, taking a large amount of dose can be dangerous and there are some methods to remove it from your system if possible. This is why seeking medical attention after overdosing on any medication that can affect your brain is crucial. 

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References

1.-

Gupta AK, Verma P, Praharaj SK, Roy D, Singh A. Paroxetine overdose. Indian J Psychiatry. 2005 Jul;47(3):167-8. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.55943. PMID: 20814462; PMCID: PMC2919795. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2919795/

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