Can You Overdose on Lexapro (Escitalopram)?

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. See a healthcare provider for personalized care and advice.

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription antidepressant [1] that is used for the treatment of anxiety and depression. While taken exactly as directed, Lexapro is generally regarded to be safe and effective, but overdosing is a medical emergency. Call 911. 

What Is Lexapro?

Escitalopram belongs to the SSRIs class [3] of antidepressants, classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. SSRIs increase serotonin’s (a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood) availability in the brain by decreasing the rate at which serotonin gets reabsorbed into nerve cells.

Can You Overdose on Lexapro?

It is possible to overdose on escitalopram. Although severe adverse outcomes may be less likely than those caused by some older antidepressants, a documented record [4] exists for escitalopram overdoses and SSRI toxicity.

Escitalopram overdosing may be induced by means of:

• Accidental overdose
• Intentional misuse; taking more of the medication than recommended in an effort to increase the effects or to cope with distress
• Combining escitalopram with alcohol, other medications, or illicit drugs [5]
• Intentional overdose for the purpose of self-harm (suicide)

What Dose of Lexapro Is Unsafe?

There is no safe overdose amount. Some people may experience overdose symptoms at relatively low doses, while others may tolerate higher amounts before symptoms appear.

Factors that can affect overdose severity include:

• Body weight and metabolism
• Existing heart, liver, or kidney conditions
• Concurrent prescription medications
• Simultaneous use of alcohol or illicit drugs

The individual’s unique biological [4] make-up is one of the primary factors impacting antidepressant toxicity, thus the need for every individual to receive medical assistance if they experience an overdose.

Symptoms of a Lexapro Overdose

The symptoms of an escitalopram overdose range from minor discomfort to serious health complications, including death.

Mild to Moderate Overdose Symptoms

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Tremor (shaking) or restlessness
• Excessive sweating
• Headache

Severe or Dangerous Overdose Symptoms

• Confused state, including severe agitation
• Hallucinations, which involve seeing or hearing things that are not there
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma

Emergency medical treatment is necessary for patients who present with any of the symptoms [6] mentioned.

Serotonin Syndrome and Lexapro Overdose

The potential for developing serotonin syndrome is a serious risk to patients who overdose on escitalopram. Serotonin syndrome [5] is a dangerous condition caused by excessive serotonin activity in the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.

Combining escitalopram with an additional antidepressant medication and/or certain pain medications or illicit drugs also puts you in a higher risk category [6] for serotonin syndrome.

Common symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

• High body temperature
• Muscle rigidity
• Severe agitation or confusion
• Shaking or twitching

Serotonin syndrome should be treated as a medical emergency and requires immediate medical treatment.

How Is a Lexapro Overdose Treated?

No patient should attempt home care for an escitalopram overdose. Seek emergency medical evaluation [4] as soon as possible.

Emergency treatment may include:

• Monitoring vital signs
• Activated charcoal, when appropriate, is administered early
• IV fluids to maintain hydration
• Medications to manage seizures or agitation

The goal of medical treatment for an overdose on escitalopram is to stabilize the individual and to prevent complications [3] while the medication clears from the body.

What to Do If Someone Overdoses on Lexapro

If you suspect an overdose of escitalopram:

• Immediately call emergency services; do not wait until you notice any symptoms
• Do not attempt to induce vomiting
• Make sure responders know how much escitalopram you believe was taken, when it was taken, and if other substances were taken with it.

Mixing Lexapro with Other Substances

Mixing escitalopram with other drugs significantly increases the risk of overdose. Alcohol, opioids, sedatives, and illicit drugs all contribute to poor outcomes when mixed with escitalopram.

Polysubstance use is one of the most common contributors to serious complications and overdose fatalities.

Preventing Lexapro Overdose

To prevent an overdose of escitalopram:

• Take your medication exactly as prescribed
• Do not change your dosage without talking to your doctor
• Keep your medicines in a safe place
• Do not use any alcohol or drugs, other than those prescribed, while taking Lexapro
• Discuss with your prescribing physician any common side effects or concerns you are experiencing

When to Seek Addiction or Mental Health Treatment

If you repeatedly misuse prescription medications, combine antidepressants with other drugs or alcohol, or use escitalopram as a way to self-medicate emotional pain, it is time to seek help from a healthcare professional.

At The Garden in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we provide partial care, intensive outpatient care, dual diagnosis treatment, family therapy, group therapy, individualized therapy, and trauma-informed care. Overdose can be a warning sign of a need for more help, and compassionate support can make recovery feel possible.

For individuals or families facing misuse, mental health challenges, or substance use concerns, compassionate professional treatment can provide safety, healing, and hope.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lexapro Overdose