Antidepressant Symptoms

Newer antidepressants are generally safer than older antidepressants when taken in excess (overdose). Many of these newer medications cause unpleasant side effects, but are not usually lethal when taken in doses that exceed the physician's recommendation. In most cases, the symptoms of overdose are similar to the side effects of the medication, but more severe.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can be very dangerous in overdose, and may possibly result in death. Any symptoms of overdose require immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures
• Hot, dry skin
• Dry mucous membranes
• Dilated pupils
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)

Symptoms of overdose of the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) bupropion include:

• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Loss of consciousness
• Rapid heartbeat

Overdose of the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine may not cause symptoms. When they are present, however, symptoms may include drowsiness, increased heartbeat, impaired memory and generalized convulsions (less severe than full seizures). Symptoms of nefazodone (a serotonin modulator) overdose include hypotension (low blood pressure) and excessive drowsiness.

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