Prozac overdose: Avoidance, symptoms, and what to do

What Is a Safe Prozac Dosage?

Prozac (generic name: fluoxetine), is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. If you’re taking Prozac, you’re in good company. Almost 25 million prescriptions for fluoxetine were written in the U.S. in 2022. 

Your provider will consider several variables when determining an appropriate dosage for you, including your age and the condition you’re being treated for. In general, the dosage range for Prozac is 10 – 80 mg. (milligrams) daily for adults and 10 – 20 mg. daily for people under 18 years of age. There’s also a 90 mg. delayed-release capsule that slowly secretes Prozac into your system. 

To give you an idea of some common dosages, the maximum recommended daily dosage for major depressive disorder in adults is 80 mg. daily. This is the maximum daily dosage recommended for any condition. For panic disorder, the maximum recommended daily dosage for adults is 60 mg. Your healthcare provider can work with you to determine the best dosage for you. 

Can You Overdose on Prozac?

Prozac works by balancing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, the “feel good” hormone, helps regulate mood, sleep, and sexual desire, as well as supporting other bodily functions. Taking too much Prozac can make excessive amounts of serotonin available in your system. This causes serotonin syndrome, a condition also referred to as serotonin toxicity. 

Overdosing on Prozac is rare and is more likely to occur if you mix Prozac with other substances.

Alcohol, supplements like St. John’s Wort, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and certain migraine medications may increase your risk for serotonin syndrome, when taken along with Prozac. Illegal or misused drugs, like cocaine, fentanyl, and oxycodone, can also cause complications. Before starting Prozac, let your prescriber know about the supplements and prescription medications you currently take or have used recently. 

Is a Prozac Overdose Life-Threatening?

Taking more than the prescribed amount of Prozac at any strength can cause an overdose. Most people who overdose on Prozac make a full recovery, but it can be fatal. 

While Prozac is minimally toxic to adults, even lower dosages can cause serotonin syndrome, especially if other substances, like alcohol, have been co-ingested. 

What Can Happen If Someone Overdoses on Prozac?

Common symptoms of a Prozac overdose include: 

• Headache
• Shivering
• Heavy sweating
• Diarrhea and vomiting 
• Drowsiness
• Increase in blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Dilation of pupils
• Feelings of anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
• Problems with muscles, including twitching or rigidity

Severe serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening medical emergency. You may have these symptoms:

• High fever
• Severe muscle pain
• Tremors 
• Breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue 
• Irregular heartbeat
• Delirium or confusion
• Loss of consciousness 

In addition, seizures are a potential symptom of severe serotonin syndrome. Seizures are less likely to occur from a minimally-toxic overdose. 

What to Do During a Prozac Overdose

If you suspect that you or someone else is having a Prozac overdose, stay calm, but don’t wait to see if the symptoms improve on their own. 

No matter what dosage you suspect was taken, call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately. Reaching out for medical help can be scary, but may save your or someone else’s life.