What to Know About Paxil Overdose
Courtesy of the FDA
The following is information about Paxil overdose from the Food and Drug
Administration:
Human Experience: Since the introduction of PAXIL
in the United States, 342 spontaneous cases of deliberate or accidental
overdosage during paroxetine treatment have been reported worldwide (circa
1999). These include overdoses with paroxetine alone and in combination with
other substances. Of these, 48 cases were fatal and of the fatalities, 17
appeared to involve paroxetine alone. Eight fatal cases that documented the
amount of paroxetine ingested were generally confounded by the ingestion of
other drugs or alcohol or the presence of significant comorbid conditions. Of
145 non-fatal cases with known outcome, most recovered without sequelae. The
largest known ingestion involved 2,000 mg of paroxetine (33 times the maximum
recommended daily dose) in a patient who recovered.
Overdosage Management: Treatment should consist of
those general measures employed in the management of overdosage with any drugs
effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder.
Ensure an
adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital
signs. General supportive and symptomatic measures are also recommended.
Induction of emesis is not recommended. Gastric lavage with a large-bore
orogastric tube with appropriate airway protection, if needed, may be indicated
if performed soon after ingestion, or in symptomatic patients.
Activated
charcoal should be administered. Due to the large volume of distribution of this
drug, forced diuresis, dialysis, hemoperfusion, and exchange transfusion are
unlikely to be of benefit. No specific antidotes for paroxetine are
known.
A specific caution involves patients who are taking or have
recently taken paroxetine who might ingest excessive quantities of a tricyclic
antidepressant. In such a case, accumulation of the parent tricyclic and/or an
active metabolite may increase the possibility of clinically significant
sequelae and extend the time needed for close medical observation (see
PRECAUTIONS—Drugs Metabolized by Cytochrome CYP2D6).
In managing
overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple drug involvement. The physician
should consider contacting a poison control center for additional information on
the treatment of any overdose. Telephone numbers for certified poison control
centers are listed in the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR).
If you or
someone you love has suffered from one of Paxil's dangerous side effects, now is
the time to seek help. Fill out the form below for a FREE case evaluation from
the experienced Paxil lawyers at Weitz and Luxenberg.
see also:
Overdose 
Important information regarding Paxil and overdose
Learn what the FDA says about anti-depressant med Paxil and Overdose
Effects Know the commonly observed adverse effects of Paxil
Find out what the commonly observed adverse effects of Paxil are
Medication Get all the Facts about the anti-depressant medication Paxil
All you need to know about the medication Paxil
