Long-term Impacts of Prescription Overdose on Health
Hello everyone, I'm a 43-year-old woman who has been on various medications for anxiety, depression, and PTSD since my teenage years. Five years ago, during a particularly dark period in my life, I made a grave suicide attempt by consuming excessive amounts of Lorazepam, Effexor, Trazodone, and other medications. Thankfully, I was discovered the following day and admitted to the intensive care unit. I’m not sure how long I spent there, but once I regained consciousness, I was moved to a mental health unit. Since then, I have experienced significant improvements in my life, and I am currently doing well. Nonetheless, I occasionally experience vomiting in the mornings while brushing my teeth or when taking as-needed medications. I'm concerned that I may have caused some internal damage that could explain these ongoing symptoms. Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Summary: What are the potential long-term effects of a prescription overdose on the body?
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 8:01:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you've made significant improvements in your life after such a difficult experience. Your concerns about potential long-term effects from the overdose and your current symptoms are valid, and I’m here to help clarify some aspects.
Main Points
Long-term impacts of prescription overdose can vary significantly based on the medications involved, the amount taken, and how quickly you received medical help. Common effects may include gastrointestinal issues, complications with mental health stability, and other organ-related concerns. Your morning vomiting could be linked to various factors, including medication side effects, anxiety, or even lingering effects from past overdose impacts.
Explanation
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Gastrointestinal Effects: Overdosing on medications like Lorazepam and Trazodone can impact your stomach and digestive system. Side effects can include nausea and vomiting, which you may be experiencing, especially in the mornings.
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Mental Health: It's not uncommon for individuals with a history of overdose to face ongoing mental health challenges. While you mentioned feeling well overall, stress or anxiety may contribute to the nausea when taking medications.
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Physical Health: Depending on the specific medications and levels involved in the overdose, other body systems can also be affected over time, such as liver or kidney function. This is typically evaluated through medical tests, but it can be a concern if symptoms like vomiting persist.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of when you experience vomiting and any accompanying symptoms (like dizziness or other discomforts). This can help identify patterns and triggers.
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Hydration and Diet: Begin your day with hydration. Consider drinking water or clear fluids before brushing your teeth and throughout the day to ease nausea. Eating a light snack before your medications might also help reduce vomiting.
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Assess Your Medications: If you have concerns about your medications triggering these symptoms, it may be beneficial to review your current medication regimen with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate if adjustments are needed or if alternatives could help.
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Regular Check-Ups: Schedule routine health check-ups with a doctor who understands your history. Blood tests can assess liver and kidney function and identify any potential issues from past medications.
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Stress Management: Since anxiety can link with nausea, consider techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness practices that might help reduce stress.
Your health journey is unique, and addressing both physical and mental health is important. Please take these steps at your own pace, and remember that support is always available. If your symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
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