What is what happens when your antidepressant dose is too high?

When a person's antidepressant dose is too high, they may experience a range of symptoms and side effects. These can include:

1. Increased risk of side effects: Higher doses of antidepressants can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and decreased libido.

2. Increased risk of serotonin syndrome: This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when there is too much serotonin in the brain. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include confusion, agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

3. Worsening of symptoms: Paradoxically, in some cases, increasing the dose of an antidepressant can actually worsen symptoms of depression or anxiety. This may be due to the medication being ineffective or causing adverse reactions in the individual.

4. Cardiac effects: Higher doses of certain antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants, can have effects on the heart, leading to arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.

5. Cognitive impairment: Taking too high a dose of an antidepressant can also impair cognitive function, leading to confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and other cognitive issues.

It is important to always follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional and to regularly monitor and communicate any changes in symptoms or side effects while taking antidepressants. If you suspect that your antidepressant dose is too high, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider immediately to discuss potential adjustments or alternative treatment options.