What Should I Anticipate After Accidentally Consuming a Double Dose of Escitalopram?
I’m an 18-year-old female, standing at 5'5" and weighing around 175 pounds. I don’t smoke and I’m not on any other medication. I have a prescription for 10mg of escitalopram each day to manage my anxiety and depression. Typically, I track my medication intake using a health app immediately after taking it. However, I occasionally forget to do so. Just a short while ago, I took my medication and then intended to record it in my app, only to discover that I had already documented it for today. What are the potential effects of this mistake? What symptoms should I be on the lookout for after taking a total of 20mg of escitalopram?
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 3:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
Accidentally consuming a double dose of escitalopram (20 mg instead of the prescribed 10 mg) may lead to increased side effects but typically isn’t dangerous for healthy individuals like you. However, it’s important to monitor how you feel.
Potential Effects:
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used for treating anxiety and depression. Taking a double dose might amplify common side effects, which can include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Increased sweating
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Possible changes in mood or heightened anxiety
What to Watch For:
After taking the extra dose, monitor yourself for any unusual or severe symptoms. Seek prompt attention if you experience:
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Significant confusion or agitation
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
Next Steps:
- Stay Calm: Firstly, try to remain calm. Most importantly, recognize that many individuals do experience unintentional double dosing, and it often does not result in serious issues.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help your body metabolize the medication.
- Rest: It’s a good idea to take it easy for the day to see how your body responds.
- Track Symptoms: Write down any symptoms you experience, noting their intensity and frequency, in case you need to share this information with someone later.
- Future Doses: For the next dose, continue as prescribed (10 mg) unless otherwise directed.
If you develop significant symptoms or feel unwell, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or helpline for personalized advice. Remember that keeping track of your medication is essential to prevent this kind of situation in the future—using reminders can be very helpful. You're taking a responsible step by reaching out, and prioritizing your health is commendable.
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