05/24/2013– What Happens When You Overdose On Antidepressants?

If you take antidepressants, then it is not because you’re depressed, but because they make you feel good. And you may drink some alcohol because that too makes you feel good. Then, if that wasn’t enough, you take some other pills, followed by more antidepressants.

COMMENTS

Next thing you know you’re in the hospital, half-naked, connected to monitors, with your parent or friend watching over you. You feel awful, and can’t really make sense of what’s going on. You remember taking the pills, but it’s all just blank-paged memory. You overdosed, and you probably saw the edge of death.

For some, it’s all over in a few hours. Their bodies fight back, and they are ready to go in 8 hours. For others, it’s a few days of ICU, horrendous diarrhea, throwing up, headaches, withdrawal symptoms including increased heart rate, shakiness, and nausea. Your body goes into shutdown mode. Your heart may even stop beating, sometimes for a moment, sometimes forever. You may damage your liver, your kidneys, your heart, or your pancreas. You might have a seizure. You could fall into a deep sleep. You might lose your appetite. Truth be told, you can’t be sure what your reaction will be, especially if you are taking antidepressants along with other mind-altering substances.

The solution to overdosing is to not take pills without supervision and a proper prescription. If you start feeling odd after taking the pills, call your doctor immediately. Let them know what’s happening. The call you want to avoid is 9-1-1.

Used properly, antidepressants can be a blessing. When abused, they can be fatal. Think first. For yourself, and then others.