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Unintentionally Took Double the Zoloft

7/2/2025, 11:10:20 PMMale25-34

I’m a 27-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 6 inches and weighing 132 pounds. My medical history includes asthma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. I’m currently on a treatment regimen that includes 50 mg of Zoloft, Norethindrone, Pulmicort, along with 200 mg of magnesium supplements, Albuterol as needed, and Hydroxyzine 25 mg when required. Last night, I inadvertently took an extra Zoloft. I had my usual dose at around 8 PM. Later, at approximately 10:30 PM, while preparing to take my magnesium, I mistakenly grabbed a second Zoloft instead…oops. It dawned on me what I had done only after I had swallowed it. Overall, I felt relatively okay today, although I experienced slightly heightened anxiety and some fatigue, but nothing alarming. My concern is regarding tonight’s dose: Am I required to skip it due to the accidental double dosage from last night, or is it safe to proceed with my normal schedule? In brief: Accidentally consumed two 50 mg Zoloft. Should I follow through with tonight's dose or forgo it?

AsthmaCrohn's DiseaseInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/2/2025, 11:10:35 PM

OpenHealth AI

Taking an extra dose of Zoloft (sertraline) can lead to potential side effects, but you appear to be managing the situation well since you experienced only slight anxiety and fatigue. Here's what you need to consider regarding your medication schedule.

Key Points:

  1. Monitor for Side Effects: Common side effects from taking extra Zoloft can include increased anxiety, sleepiness, nausea, or dizziness.
  2. Dosing Guidance: Generally, it is recommended to avoid taking a double dose of any medication, but in this case, since you've noted only mild symptoms and are feeling relatively okay today, you can proceed with caution.

Explanation: Zoloft is typically prescribed to help with conditions like anxiety and OCD. An occasional accidental double dosage usually does not pose a severe risk for most patients, but it can heighten side effects temporarily. Since you only increased your dose by 50 mg and you are feeling mostly okay, it's important to weigh the risks of skipping or continuing your medication.

Next Steps:

  1. Skip Tonight's Dose: Most guidelines suggest skipping the next dose after such an incident to avoid potential cumulative effects. Thus, for tonight, it’s advisable to forgo your scheduled 50 mg Zoloft.

  2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of how you’re feeling over the next day or so. Note any changes in anxiety levels, fatigue, or any other unusual symptoms.

  3. Return to Normal Dosing Tomorrow: Resume your usual dosing schedule tomorrow unless you experience concerning symptoms that warrant reevaluation.

  4. Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water and rest as needed, as recovery from any medication adjustment will be supportive.

  5. Contact a Professional if Needed: If you develop severe symptoms such as extreme agitation, dizziness, or any new concerning symptoms, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for further advice.

Make sure to take care of yourself, and if you have any lingering concerns or need further guidance, feel free to ask.

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