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What Are the Signs of a Duloxetine Overdose?

Alicia Sparks
Alicia Sparks

Many signs of a duloxetine overdose are the same or similar to various side effects of duloxetine. For example, dizziness and drowsiness can represent either common duloxetine side effects or an overdose. Likewise, more severe reactions like vomiting, having seizures, and becoming unresponsive can indicate the rare, but serious, side effects associated with the drug, or an actual overdose of duloxetine. Generally, patients who take duloxetine become familiar with and learn to manage certain mild side effects, but they should always look out for and report any unfamiliar and sudden symptoms. Any patient who experiences severe reactions, whether they’re associated with side effects or overdose symptoms, should immediately seek a doctor’s attention.

Some duloxetine overdose symptoms seem like the same kinds of regular mild-to-moderate side effects of duloxetine doctors discuss with their patients before prescribing the drug. This means the patient, or a family member or other caregiver, might not notice them right away or take fast action. Such symptoms include lightheadedness, drowsiness, or dizziness. Of course, these symptoms might present themselves as severe instead of mild or moderate. For example, the patient might suddenly become intensely dizzy or lightheaded, in which case he or his caregiver probably immediately notice and seek medical attention.

Duloxetine is also marketed and sold under the brand name Cymbalta.
Duloxetine is also marketed and sold under the brand name Cymbalta.

Similarly, other more severe symptoms of duloxetine overdose are also considered rare, but possible, side effects of the drug. Fortunately, patients are less likely to continue taking duloxetine and more likely to see their doctors if they experience these overdose symptoms. If a patient sees hallucinations, becomes agitated, or experiences an increased heart rate, he might be experiencing a duloxetine overdose. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also indicate an overdose of duloxetine. Some of the most severe duloxetine overdose symptoms include fainting, seizures, and becoming unresponsive.

Extreme drowsiness is often an early sign of a duloxetine overdose.
Extreme drowsiness is often an early sign of a duloxetine overdose.

Certain duloxetine overdose symptoms, like dizziness and even nausea, are actually regular side effects that pass with time or require a medication change. Given this fact, a patient should stay in touch with his doctor and report unfamiliar symptoms until he becomes accustomed to any regular side effects duloxetine causes him. The more extreme reactions like seizures, fainting, and unresponsiveness will require immediate medical attention. This is regardless of whether they are side effects of actual duloxetine overdose symptoms. Depending on whether the patient experiences regular side effects or an overdose, as well as the cause of the overdose, his doctor may or may not replace duloxetine with another medication.

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    • Duloxetine is also marketed and sold under the brand name Cymbalta.
      By: themalni
      Duloxetine is also marketed and sold under the brand name Cymbalta.
    • Extreme drowsiness is often an early sign of a duloxetine overdose.
      By: oporkka
      Extreme drowsiness is often an early sign of a duloxetine overdose.
    • In the most severe cases, a person who has overdosed on duloxetine may require CPR or other assistance breathing.
      By: Photographee.eu
      In the most severe cases, a person who has overdosed on duloxetine may require CPR or other assistance breathing.
    • Like other antidepressants, duloxetine is not fast-acting and takes a few weeks to ramp up in the patient's body.
      By: nadezhda1906
      Like other antidepressants, duloxetine is not fast-acting and takes a few weeks to ramp up in the patient's body.
    • Dizziness could indicate a duloxetine overdose, as well as a side effect of the medicine.
      By: SEPULTURA_FROM_HELL
      Dizziness could indicate a duloxetine overdose, as well as a side effect of the medicine.
    • Vomiting can indicate a rare but serious side effect of duloxetine, as well as an overdose of the drug.
      By: alexandre zveiger
      Vomiting can indicate a rare but serious side effect of duloxetine, as well as an overdose of the drug.