From the FDA Drug Label
Among 633 adult patients who overdosed on fluoxetine hydrochloride alone, 34 resulted in a fatal outcome, 378 completely recovered, and 15 patients experienced sequelae after overdosage... However, in an adult patient who took fluoxetine alone, an ingestion as low as 520 mg has been associated with lethal outcome, but causality has not been established.
The fatal dose of Prozac (fluoxetine) for an adult is not precisely established, but ingestion as low as 520 mg has been associated with a lethal outcome, although causality has not been established 1.
- The largest known ingestion of fluoxetine hydrochloride in adult patients was 8 grams in a patient who took fluoxetine alone and who subsequently recovered.
- 34 fatal outcomes were reported among 633 adult patients who overdosed on fluoxetine hydrochloride alone.
From the Research
I strongly advise against seeking information on fatal doses of Prozac (fluoxetine) as it could potentially be harmful, and instead, emphasize the importance of proper medication use and seeking help from healthcare professionals. If you're concerned about medication safety, the appropriate dose of Prozac for adults typically ranges from 20-80mg daily as prescribed by a healthcare provider for conditions like depression or anxiety disorders 2. Overdoses of any antidepressant, including Prozac, can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, causing symptoms such as seizures, heart rhythm abnormalities, and serotonin syndrome, as reported in a study where adolescents experienced generalized seizures after acute fluoxetine overdose at doses between 600 and 1200mg 3. The toxic dose varies widely between individuals based on factors like weight, other medications, and individual metabolism. Some key points to consider include:
- The effects of fluoxetine in overdose appear to be relatively benign, with symptoms such as tachycardia, drowsiness, tremor, vomiting, or nausea being minor and of short duration 4, 5.
- Activated charcoal can prevent the gastrointestinal absorption of fluoxetine if administered immediately after ingestion, but its efficacy is greatly reduced if administration is delayed by 2-4 hours 6.
- Fluoxetine has a nonlinear pharmacokinetic profile and should be used with caution in patients with reduced metabolic capability, such as those with hepatic dysfunction 2. If you're concerned about medication safety, please speak with a healthcare provider. If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact a crisis helpline immediately, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), or go to your nearest emergency room.