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What Are The Repercussions Of Overdosing Lexapro?

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Posted on Tue, 29 Mar 2016
Question: I think I may have taken my Lexapro twice today. I take 20mg a day and am pretty sure I took it at 10am and again at 7pm, my question is should I be worried or seek any medical attention?
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks very much for your premium question.

You report taking a total of 40mg of Lexapro, 20mg at 10AM and 20mg at 7PM.

Let me reassure you that this is safe and that you do not need to seek medical attention. Many studies have shown that even massive overdoses of Lexapro (by that I mean 30+ pills) are very, very unlikely to cause serious medical problems. Lexapro taken regularly at doses above 20mg can cause prolongation of the QT interval and predispose people to cardiac arrhythmias -- but this is not the case in your situation. You may experience a little more sedation or some stomach upset from this accidental higher dose, but nothing dangerous will happen.

Please remember to rate and close this answer if you find it satisfactory.

I see you have asked many premium questions in the past, answered by many different people. In the future, for simplicity and for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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What Are The Repercussions Of Overdosing Lexapro?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks very much for your premium question. You report taking a total of 40mg of Lexapro, 20mg at 10AM and 20mg at 7PM. Let me reassure you that this is safe and that you do not need to seek medical attention. Many studies have shown that even massive overdoses of Lexapro (by that I mean 30+ pills) are very, very unlikely to cause serious medical problems. Lexapro taken regularly at doses above 20mg can cause prolongation of the QT interval and predispose people to cardiac arrhythmias -- but this is not the case in your situation. You may experience a little more sedation or some stomach upset from this accidental higher dose, but nothing dangerous will happen. Please remember to rate and close this answer if you find it satisfactory. I see you have asked many premium questions in the past, answered by many different people. In the future, for simplicity and for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers