What could happen if?

Question

Somebody has been prescribed 20mg of fluoxetine and they actually take 40mg? I think it says on the box not to take more than one every 24 hours and I'm concerned about somebody.

Answer 1

40mg wont kill them but is likely to make them drowsy, not a good habit to fall into really as this medication needs a regular dosage to create a knock on effect. A person with depression is most likely to mess with the dosage so maybe you could help them or suggest a chat with NHS direct? I found them fantastic in the past, really helpful and non judgemental. Hope this helps put your mind at rest.

                     Jan

Answer 2

It will be OK, I was prescribed 60 mg a day at one time. It's not a good idea to exceed the prescribed dose, obviously, but they won't die or anything.

Answer 3

That won't affect them unduly, I shouldn't worry..

Answer 4

nothings gonna happen if you dont do it again. it will just mess up your brain chemistry slightly for 1 day, but you wont even notice it.  

Answer 5

Probably a mild case of diarrhoea or a restless nights sleep

Answer 6

Medication should be taken exactly as prescribed. However the therapeutic dose of Fluoxetine is up to 60mgs a day for some conditions.

Answer 7

they'd ru n out before there next prescription, is the worst thing that could happen

Answer 8

If you take a whole packet/bottle of fluoxetine at once. It doesn't kill you. It will just either make you very hypo-active or do the opposite of what it should do, make you feel down and scared.

Answer 9

Taking 40mg a day won't hurt them , but they are going to run out before their next prescription, which is not going to help - they either need to take the recommended dose or speak to their doctor if they feel they need the increased dose.