It's important not to miss any of your doses, as this could make your treatment less effective. You may also get withdrawal symptoms as a result of missing a dose of the medicine. If you do miss 1 of your doses, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time to take your next dose, in which case you should just skip the missed dose. Don't take a double dose to make up for the one you missed. If you take more tablets than prescribed, contact your GP as soon as possible for advice.
In general, it's not a good idea to skip doses of your antidepressant for any reason, including to drink alcohol. Most antidepressants are only effective when used consistently.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose when it is due. Otherwise, take it as soon as it is remembered, and then go back to taking the medicine as usual.
To get the maximum benefit from your antidepressant, he suggests, “It's important to take your medicine at the same time every day. Either in the morning when you get up or at night when you go to bed is a good idea.” Routine makes missing a does less likely and better regulates the medicine in your system.
Withdrawal symptoms usually come on within 5 days of stopping the medicine and generally last 1 to 2 weeks. Some people have severe withdrawal symptoms that last for several months or more. See your doctor if you get severe withdrawal symptoms after you stop taking antidepressants.
If you forget to take a dose and remember before you go to bed, take it straight away. Carry on as usual the next day. If you only remember during the night or the next day, leave out the missed dose and carry on as usual. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.
If it's been more than a few hours, hold off and take your next dose on schedule. If it's only been a few hours since your missed dose, go ahead and take it.
In most cases, if you miss your pill or medicine unintentionally, it is recommended that you simply wait to take your next dose at the scheduled time. Take the normal amount and get back on schedule. Never take a higher amount than your doctor prescribed.
Unwanted effects that result from failing to comply with medication instructions include confusion, falls, hallucinations and bleeding. Hospitalization is a likely outcome. These adverse drug effects occur in any age group; however, seniors are more susceptible to the consequences of incorrectly ingesting medications.
Drinking can counteract the benefits of your antidepressant medication, making your symptoms more difficult to treat. Alcohol may seem to improve your mood in the short term, but its overall effect increases symptoms of depression and anxiety. Side effects may be worse if you also take another medication.
But if you're taking antidepressants, it's worth keeping close tabs on your caffeine consumption. Antidepressants and caffeine can both have an effect on brain chemistry, and adding too much of the latter on top of your meds can leave you feeling lousy.
Generally, drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants is not advised. Alcohol can make depression worse, and also increase the severity of antidepressant side effects. It's generally recommended that people on antidepressants abstain from alcohol, especially if they will be driving or operating heavy machinery.
In rare cases, some people experience suicidal thoughts and a desire to self-harm when they first take antidepressants. Young people under 25 seem particularly at risk. Contact your GP, or go to A&E immediately, if you have thoughts of killing or harming yourself at any time while taking antidepressants.
Forgetting to take medication can be related to how many times a day a medication is prescribed. The more often a medication is prescribed, the more likely it is that the medication will be forgotten. Some medications are available as an extended-release form, which allows the medication to be taken less frequently.
If you forget to take your tablets for a few days, you may start getting your old symptoms back, or get withdrawal symptoms (feeling dizzy or shaky, sleep problems [including difficulty sleeping and intense dreams], feeling irritable or anxious, feeling or being sick, and headaches).
If you've forgotten to pack your medications while travelling, rather than missing your dose, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia recommends speaking to the local community pharmacist at your destination.
Double Double, Can Cause Trouble. Taking an extra dose of medication because one has been missed is an all too common occurrence. The effects of double dosing will likely be negative and make symptoms worse. Patients should never double up medication without consulting the prescribing physician.
If you've taken two antidepressants by accident (and they are prescribed to you), you may feel mild to moderate effects—especially if this is the first and only time you've accidentally doubled your dose. If you do experience any side effects, contact a doctor immediately—even if the side effects feel mild.
Some medications may need to be taken as soon as the mistake is apparent. Other medications can be taken on the scheduled dose after the missed dose. Generally, patients can take a missed dose if the prescription has been missed for under two hours.
If you occasionally forget to take a dose, just take your next dose the next day at the usual time. Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one. If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.
Share on Pinterest Doctors advise against drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro. Doctors usually do not recommend drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro or any other antidepressant. This guidance is because alcohol can make depression worse and can counteract the benefits of a person taking antidepressants.
If you miss a dose and remember in less than 12 hours, take it straight away, and then go back to taking it as you would normally. Otherwise, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you have missed.