Among the most serious risks of Zoloft overdose is serotonin syndrome, in which levels of serotonin reach a level that can cause symptoms such as: Muscle rigidity. Hallucinations. Confusion.
The drugs and supplements that could potentially cause serotonin syndrome include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, Brisdelle) and sertraline (Zoloft)
Serotonin syndrome occurs when someone has an excess of the neurotransmitter serotonin in their nervous system. The condition's symptoms generally fall into three categories: Altered mental status (irritability, agitation, restlessness, and anxiety)
Serotonin syndrome occurs when the levels of a chemical in your brain called serotonin become too high. It's usually triggered when you take an SSRI in combination with another medicine (or substance) that also raises serotonin levels, such as another antidepressant or St John's wort.
SSRIs treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain nerve cells (neurons). SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons.
When an individual takes a combination of medications that contain serotonin (commonly prescribed antidepressants such as Zoloft, Lexapro, both SSRIs and Effexor, an SNRI), they are at a high risk for developing serotonin syndrome.
Sertraline is an effective medication to treat depression and other mental health conditions, but it may make you feel worse before you feel better.
Loss of muscle coordination or twitching muscles. High blood pressure. Muscle rigidity. Heavy sweating.
They found that serotonin produced by these cells is a signal to other neurons in the circuit, leading to an increase in anxiety. Giving mice an SSRI has the same effect on this brain circuit as putting the animals in a fearful situation: Serotonin levels rise and anxiety-like behaviors increase.
It has long been suggested that over-activity of the serotonin system may relate to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, as these seem characterized by too much withdrawal and avoidance.
If you're taking antidepressant medication and you either feel unusually elated, or you become very terse with your loved ones, feel noticeably more irritable, or have an uncharacteristic bout of rage, then it's likely that your antidepressant dose is too high.
How do you lower serotonin levels quickly? When serotonin syndrome symptoms first appear, there is no way to quickly lower serotonin levels other than to discontinue serotonergic drugs or seek hosipital treatment. The body will naturally reset serotonin levels to normal in a few days.
The most common symptoms of Zoloft overdose include tremor, lethargy, nausea, agitation, confusion, or vomiting. If you have taken too much Zoloft, contact Poison Control or seek emergency care right away to avoid serious side effects.
Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms
Gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. Nervous system symptoms include overactive reflexes and muscle spasms, said Su. Other serotonin syndrome symptoms include high body temperature, sweating, shivering, clumsiness, tremors, and confusion and other mental changes.
Serotonin syndrome happens when you have too much serotonin (a normal chemical) in your body. It's usually caused by taking drugs or medications that affect serotonin levels. Stopping the drug(s) or medication(s) causing serotonin syndrome is the main treatment.
Serotonin is a crucial chemical for increasing mood and decreasing anxiety. Researchers have found a clear connection between low serotonin levels and increases in depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
Serotonin plays several roles in your body, including influencing learning, memory, happiness as well as regulating body temperature, sleep, sexual behavior and hunger. Lack of enough serotonin is thought to play a role in depression, anxiety, mania and other health conditions.
In rare cases, taking too much Zoloft can also cause serotonin syndrome, which results in dangerously high levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. When there's too much serotonin in the brain this can cause confusion, diarrhea, and headaches.
SSRIs are thought to improve mood by boosting serotonin activity in the brain. But serotonin is not always a bed of roses. In the early days of treatment, it can increase levels of fear and anxiety and even suicidal thinking in some younger people. As a result, patients may stop using the treatment after a few weeks.
Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Gaining or losing weight. Feeling the opposite of how the medication is supposed to make you feel—like feeling more depressed when you take an antidepressant, or more anxious when you take an anti-anxiety med. If a medication makes you feel suicidal, tell your doctor right away.
Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a rare, potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among a number of pharmaceuticals that all contribute to SS, but SS caused by SSRI monotherapy is rare.
The majority of cases of serotonin syndrome present within 24 hours, and most within six hours, of a change in dose or initiation of a drug [3].