Can You Overdose on Anxiety Medication?

Key Takeaways: 

• Anxiety medication overdoses can happen, especially with benzodiazepines or when medication is mixed with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives.
• Recognizing early symptoms, such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, or agitation, can help you act quickly.
• If an overdose is suspected, seeking emergency care right away is the safest step.
• Safer treatment options exist, including therapy and drug-free approaches like TMS, for people concerned about medication risks or long-term reliance.
• Support is available, and no one has to manage anxiety or medication concerns alone.

Anxiety medication helps many people find relief, but taking too much, intentionally or accidentally, can be dangerous. Whether you’re concerned about your own medication use or worried about a loved one, it’s important to understand the risks, the signs of an overdose, and how to stay safe. You’re not alone in asking these questions, and having clear information can make a meaningful difference.

This guide explains how anxiety medication overdoses happen, what symptoms to look for, what steps to take if you’re concerned, and how to explore safer treatment options if medication feels overwhelming or risky.

Yes, anxiety medications can cause an overdose if taken in higher-than-prescribed amounts or combined with other substances. The level of risk depends on the type of medication, the dosage, and a person’s overall health. Understanding how different medications work can help you recognize where risks may be higher and what symptoms to watch for.

Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin)

• These medications slow activity in the central nervous system. In high doses, or when taken with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives, they can significantly depress breathing, heart rate, and consciousness.

SSRIs and SNRIs (Zoloft, Lexapro, Effexor)

• These medications are less likely to cause a life-threatening overdose on their own. However, taking very large amounts may still lead to serious medical complications, including serotonin syndrome, which requires prompt medical care.

Buspirone and Other Non-Sedating Options

• Buspirone carries a lower risk of severe overdose, but exceeding the recommended dose can still cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or agitation.

Anxiety medication overdoses can cause a range of symptoms depending on the medication and the amount taken.

Signs of Benzodiazepine Overdose

• Extreme drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
• Confusion or slowed thinking
• Slurred speech
• Poor coordination or unsteady movement
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Pale or bluish skin
• Loss of consciousness

Signs Linked to SSRIs or SNRIs Taken in Excess

• Nausea or vomiting
• Agitation, tremors, or muscle twitching
• Rapid heart rate
• High fever or sweating
• Muscle stiffness
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome (a potentially serious reaction)

No matter the medication type, an overdose is a medical emergency. If symptoms appear, or even if you’re unsure, it’s safest to get immediate medical help.

Knowing the symptoms can help you respond quickly and potentially save a life.

Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Overdose

Benzodiazepine overdoses typically involve significant central nervous system depression. 

Symptoms may include:

• Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking up
• Slurred speech
• Confusion or disorientation
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Bluish lips or fingertips
• Loss of coordination
• Unresponsiveness

Risk increases significantly when benzodiazepines are combined with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives.

What About Other Anxiety Medications?

While SSRIs, SNRIs, and buspirone overdoses are rarely fatal on their own, they can still cause serious symptoms such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Tremors or shaking
• Increased heart rate
• Agitation, restlessness, or confusion
• Seizures (in severe cases)
• High body temperature or sweating
• Muscle rigidity
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome

Any unusual or escalating symptoms should be treated as urgent.

If you’re worried that you or someone you love may be overdosing on anxiety medication, call 911 right away. Emergency responders can provide immediate support while you stay with the person and monitor their breathing.

Emergency Steps

During the call and while waiting for help:

• Stay with the person and try to keep them awake if possible.
• Gently monitor their breathing and note whether it appears unusually slow or shallow.
• Share with the dispatcher what medication was taken, how much, and when.
• If the person becomes unresponsive, follow the operator’s instructions until help arrives.
• You don’t have to manage the situation alone. Calling for help is the safest step.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Call 911 immediately, time matters.
• Stay calm and remain with the person.
• Provide as much information as you can about the medication.

Don’t:

• Don’t try to make the person vomit.
• Don’t give them food or drink unless instructed.
• Don’t give additional medications to “balance” effects.

If you’re unsure whether it’s an overdose, it’s always better to seek help.

Medication can be an important part of anxiety treatment, but safety is essential. A few supportive habits can significantly reduce overdose risk.

Follow Your Prescription Closely

Take your medication exactly as prescribed. If you’re worried about missing doses or double-dosing, consider:

• Setting phone reminders
• Using a pill organizer
• Keeping medications separate if multiple prescriptions look similar

If you feel your current dose isn’t working, talk with your provider instead of adjusting it yourself.

Avoid Mixing Substances

Alcohol, opioids, sleep aids, and other sedatives can intensify the effects of anxiety medication, especially benzodiazepines. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase drowsiness and slow breathing.

If you’re not sure whether something is safe to take with your medication, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Safe Storage

Keep medications in a secure place, especially if children, teens, or others in the home may accidentally or intentionally take them.

Regular Consultations

Routine check-ins with your prescribing clinician help ensure:

• The medication is still effective
• Side effects are manageable
• Dose adjustments are handled safely

If you ever feel the urge to take more than prescribed, let your provider know, it may be a sign to revisit your treatment plan.

Medication isn’t the only way to manage anxiety. If you’re feeling uncomfortable with your current treatment or worried about overdose risks, there are other compassionate options to explore.

Therapy and Lifestyle Approaches

Many people find relief through non-medication treatments such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Exposure-based therapies
• Stress-reduction techniques
• Mindfulness and grounding tools
• Support groups

These approaches carry no risk of overdose and can be used alone or alongside medication under professional guidance.

TMS and Other Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment primarily FDA-approved for depression. Many individuals experiencing both depression and anxiety notice improvements in their anxiety symptoms through TMS treatment.

Pulse TMS uses Brainsway Deep TMS™, an advanced, comfortable form of therapy that targets mood-related areas of the brain without medications or systemic side effects. If medication safety is on your mind, this option may feel reassuring.

Pulse TMS’s Safe, Supportive Care

We understand how overwhelming anxiety, and its treatments, can feel. Our team combines advanced technology with compassionate support to help you move toward long-term well-being. Whether you’re exploring alternatives to medication or looking for a safer treatment plan, we’re here to help you understand your options and find a path that feels right.

If you’re struggling with anxiety or concerned about medication risks, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Help is available, and safer treatments exist. Reaching out can be an important first step toward feeling better and finding clarity.

Pulse TMS offers free consultations to help you understand your treatment options and determine whether TMS or another approach may support your recovery. Contact us today.

Can you overdose on anxiety medication?

• Yes, taking more than the prescribed amount, or mixing anxiety medication with alcohol, opioids, or other depressants, can lead to overdose. The severity depends on the medication type and dosage.

Which anxiety medications have the highest overdose risk?

• Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin) carry the highest risk, especially when combined with other sedating substances. SSRIs, SNRIs, and buspirone have lower overdose risk but can still cause harm in large amounts.

What are the early signs of an overdose?

• Common symptoms include extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, confusion, slurred speech, agitation, rapid heart rate, nausea, or tremors. Any sudden or worsening symptoms should be taken seriously.

What should I do if I think someone overdosed on their anxiety medication?

• Call 911 right away. Stay with the person, monitor their breathing, and share any available information about the medication with emergency responders. You don’t need to manage the situation alone, help is available immediately.

Can you accidentally take too much anxiety medication?

• Yes, double-dosing can happen if a dose is forgotten or taken twice. Using a pill organizer, setting reminders, or following a consistent routine can reduce this risk.

Is it dangerous to mix anxiety medication with alcohol?

• Yes, alcohol intensifies the sedative effects of benzodiazepines and can slow breathing or lead to loss of consciousness. Even small amounts of alcohol can be unsafe when combined with these medications.

Are there safer alternatives if I’m worried about overdose risk?

• Yes, therapy, lifestyle interventions, and drug-free treatments like TMS may help reduce reliance on medication. Many people with depression-related anxiety see meaningful improvements with TMS.

Does TMS help with anxiety?

• TMS is FDA-approved for depression and OCD, and many patients with co-occurring anxiety experience symptom relief through treatment. It may be a helpful option if you’re uncomfortable with medication or experiencing unwanted side effects.

When should I talk to a doctor about changing my medication?

• Speak with your provider if you feel tempted to increase your dose, experience worsening symptoms, or have concerns about safety or interactions. Regular check-ins support long-term, safe treatment planning.