12 Signs Your Antidepressant Dosage Is Too Strong

Understanding Antidepressant Dosage and Strength

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD and more. They work by increasing levels of mood-regulating neurotransmitters in the brain like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.

While antidepressants can be very effective when properly prescribed, getting the dosage right is crucial. An excessively high dose can cause side effects or even worsen some symptoms.

Factors That Influence Ideal Antidepressant Dosage

Determining optimal antidepressant strength involves balancing intended therapeutic benefits against potential risks. Key factors include:

• Your age, weight and metabolism
• Other medical conditions and medications
• History of substance abuse
• Severity of your mental health condition

Your prescribing doctor will take these into account when selecting an AD medication and starting dosage.

12 Signs Your Antidepressant Dose May Be Too High

Pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms once beginning an antidepressant, especially during the first two months which is considered the transition period. Contact your doctor promptly if you experience:

1. Nausea, Diarrhea or Digestive Issues

Gastrointestinal problems like nausea, diarrhea and cramping are common side effects of excessive antidepressant dosage. They result from too much serotonin action in the gut.

2. Dizziness or Headaches

Some antidepressants provoke dizziness or headaches at high doses because they constrict blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Relaxation techniques may help mild symptoms.

3. Fatigue, Drowsiness or Insomnia

Excessive antidepressant strength can cause sleep disruptions including daytime fatigue, drowsiness or an inability to fall/stay asleep. Adding another drug to promote sleep may worsen the issue.

4. Vision Changes or Blurred Vision

Medications like antidepressants can impact pathways between nerves and muscles controlling eye focus and movement leading to vision changes at high doses.

5.Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat

Too much antidepressant activity like blocking reuptake of norepinephrine can increase heart rate variability and trigger palpitations or arrhythmias in sensitive people.

6.Muscle Twitches, Spasms or Weakness

Some antidepressants excessively stimulate the central nervous system at high doses which may manifest as involuntary muscle movements or weakness.

7. Changes in Weight or Appetite

Sudden weight changes and appetite shifts can occur when starting an antidepressant before stabilizing over time. Excess dosing may provoke increased or suppressed hunger signals.

8. Confusion, Agitation or Impulsiveness

Mood or behavioral changes like confusion, unusual agitation/anger and impulsive decision making may indicate too much antidepressant activity in the brain.

9. Worsening Anxiety, Panic or Obsessive Thoughts

Some people experience heightened anxiety, panic attacks or OCD tendencies when put on excessively high doses of certain antidepressants like SSRIs or SNRIs.

10. Feelings of Euphoria, Recklessness or Mania

Mood elevating effects from antidepressant overmedication can make people feel euphoric, overly energetic or reckless - to the point of triggering mania in bipolar disorder.

11. Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide

Worsening depression and the emergence of suicidal ideation are the most serious signs of potential antidepressant toxicity warranting immediate discussion with a doctor or mental health team.

12. Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms

Rarely, excessively high serotonin activity causes a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome involving high fever, racing heart, shivering and muscle rigidity.

Next Steps If Your Antidepressant Dose Seems Too Strong

Speak up about concerning side effects before they spiral out of control. There are three main options your mental health provider may suggest:

1. Taper Down Antidepressant Strength

Your doctor can create a managed schedule to slowly decrease your antidepressant dosage over a period of weeks/months allowing your body to adjust.

2. Switch Antidepressant Medications

An alternative AD medication in the same or different drug class can be trialed if tapering doesn't resolve overmedication issues - or when starting treatment for a health condition like bipolar disorder or OCD.

3. Augment With a Second Medication

For some mental illnesses, a secondary medication may be added to enhance overall efficacy allowing the primary antidepressant to be taken at a lower, better tolerated dose.

The Takeaway

Antidepressant dosage is a balancing act. The adage "start low and go slow" is best to minimize risk of overmedication while giving your body time to adjust.

Pay attention to new side effects, mood changes and emerging symptoms in the first two months and report concerns promptly to your prescribing doctor. They can then make adjustments to improve tolerability and safety.

With some trial and error under medical supervision, optimal antidepressant strength and choice of medication can be honed in on for managing mental illness effectively long-term.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.