August 19, 2024

Can You Overdose on Birth Control?

Taking birth control pills every day helps prevent pregnancy, but mistakes can happen. You might accidentally take more pills than you’re supposed to and wonder what will happen. While it’s normal to feel worried, these worries can be soothed if you know what to expect if you accidentally took two birth control pills at once.

This page explores what happens if you take two birth control pills in one day and how to handle it safely. You can also find out how to connect with compassionate care for mental health issues or substance misuse.

What Happens if You Take Too Much Birth Control?

Taking too many birth control pills can be alarming, but it’s usually not dangerous. Birth control pills are designed to prevent pregnancy by using hormones like estrogen and progestin to regulate your menstrual cycle and stop ovulation. Pills like norethindrone birth control – the mini pill – contain progestin only. When you take more pills than prescribed, your body is exposed to higher hormone levels, which can lead to some adverse effects. That said, these side effects are usually mild and temporary.

When you take an extra dose, your body’s hormone levels temporarily spike. This surge can cause symptoms as your body adjusts to the higher hormone levels. Common symptoms might include nausea, mild headaches, or even mood swings. While these reactions can be uncomfortable, they generally resolve within a day or two as your body processes the extra hormones.

Breakthrough bleeding – this is light and unexpected bleeding that occurs outside of your normal period – is another potential effect of taking too many birth control pills. This happens because the sudden hormone change can disrupt your menstrual cycle. While it might be concerning, this type of bleeding is usually harmless and should subside as your hormone levels stabilize.

Keep in mind that taking more pills does not increase their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Instead, it can lead to an imbalance in your hormone levels, causing unnecessary discomfort. Although it’s unlikely that taking too many birth control pills will result in serious or long-lasting harm, it’s always wise to reach out to a healthcare provider if you’re worried about your symptoms. They can offer advice and help ensure that you manage any side effects appropriately.

Can You Overdose on Birth Control?

The thought of overdosing on any medication can be scary, but when it comes to birth control pills, the risks are usually not as severe as they might seem. An overdose happens when you take more than the recommended dose of a medication. With birth control pills, while it’s possible to take too many at once, the chances of experiencing serious harm are very low.

Birth control pills contain hormones, such as estrogen and progestin, or sometimes just progestin. These hormones are safe for humans, even when taken in higher doses than prescribed. The pills are designed with a safety margin, meaning that even if you accidentally take more than the recommended dose, your body can generally handle the extra hormones without severe consequences.

Birth control pills have a very low toxicity, which means they are unlikely to cause serious damage, even in large amounts. These symptoms are generally mild and should go away on their own as your body processes the extra hormones. Even if you take an entire pack of birth control pills at once, it’s unlikely to cause any lasting harm. The side effects are usually temporary and manageable at home. This is not recommended, though – stick to the prescribed dosage. Seek immediate help if you have thoughts of self-harm.

A study conducted in 2016 looked at 54 teenagers and young adults in Sri Lanka who were admitted to hospitals after intentionally overdosing on birth control pills. Some took several pills, while others ingested more than a full pack. Despite the large doses, the results were reassuring. Most of the individuals left the hospital within a day, and none of them became severely ill. The most common side effects they experienced were nausea, vomiting, and severe headaches – symptoms that resolved relatively quickly.

This research suggests that even in cases of intentional overdose, severe or long-lasting side effects are rare. The body’s ability to handle the excess hormones without causing serious harm shows that birth control pills are generally safe, even when taken in large amounts.

Birth Control Overdose Symptoms

If you’ve taken too many birth control pills, you might experience a range of symptoms. These symptoms usually appear within a few hours to a couple of days after taking the pills and can vary depending on how many pills you took and how your body reacts to the hormones.

Nausea and vomiting: These are the most common symptoms and usually occur because of the sudden increase in hormones.

Headaches: Some people might experience mild to moderate headaches. These headaches are normally temporary and should subside as your body adjusts.

Breast tenderness: Your breasts might feel sore or swollen due to the elevated hormone levels.

Mood swings: Hormonal changes can affect your mood, leading to feelings of irritability or sadness.

Breakthrough bleeding: Light vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur a few days after taking the extra pills. This is usually not a cause for concern.

In rare cases, more serious symptoms can develop, such as:

Severe headaches: If you experience intense headaches or migraines, this could indicate a more severe reaction to the hormones.

Dizziness or fainting: Feeling lightheaded or faint could be a sign that your body is struggling to adjust to the extra hormones.

Leg pain or swelling: Pain or swelling in the legs, especially in the calf or thigh, could indicate a blood clot, which requires immediate medical attention.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Bring the birth control pill packet with you, as it contains important information about the medication you took. The medical team will need this information to provide the best possible care.

What To Do If You Took Too Much Birth Control?

If you realize that you’ve taken too many birth control pills, don’t panic. The following steps can help you manage the situation and ensure that you stay safe.

Call Poison Control

One of the first steps you should take if you’ve taken too many birth control pills is to call Poison Control. The Poison Control helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222, so you can reach out anytime, day or night. The experts on the line are trained to handle situations like this and can give you immediate advice based on the number of pills you took and how you’re feeling. Here’s what you can expect:

Questions: They’ll ask you questions about the type and number of pills you took, when you took them, and any symptoms you’re experiencing. This information helps them assess the situation quickly.

Guidance: Based on your answers, they’ll provide specific instructions on what to do next. This might include monitoring your symptoms at home, taking certain actions to alleviate discomfort, or seeking medical attention if needed.

Calling Poison Control is a smart and safe step if you’re unsure about your symptoms or if you’re feeling unwell. They can help you determine whether further action is needed and provide peace of mind, knowing that you’re taking the right steps to stay safe.

Visit the ER

While most cases of birth control overdose won’t require a trip to the emergency room, there are situations where immediate medical care is necessary. The ER is equipped to handle more severe symptoms that might arise after taking too many pills. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek emergency care right away:

Severe pain: Intense pain in your head, chest, or abdomen could indicate a serious issue that needs prompt attention.

Difficulty breathing: Trouble breathing or shortness of breath can signal an allergic reaction or other complications that should not be ignored.

Loss of consciousness: Fainting or feeling like you might pass out is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

Leg pain or swelling: Pain or swelling in your legs, especially in the calf or thigh, could be a sign of a blood clot, which can be life-threatening.

If you go to the ER, make sure to bring the birth control pill packet with you. The medical staff will need to know exactly what you took to provide the best care. They may perform tests to monitor your vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and assess any symptoms you’re experiencing. In some rare cases, they might administer activated charcoal to prevent your body from absorbing too much of the medication, though this is uncommon with birth control pills.

If you’re hesitant to go to the ER, it’s still a good idea to reach out to a primary care doctor or another healthcare professional, especially if you start noticing concerning symptoms like frequent vomiting or an unusual rash.

While symptoms like headaches, nausea, and vomiting usually appear shortly after taking too many pills, other symptoms might show up in the days that follow, such as:

Feeling unusually sleepy

Changes in your mood or emotions

Dark or discolored urine

Soreness in your breasts

Vaginal bleeding

If you experience vaginal bleeding, it could be heavy. You should seek medical attention if:

You completely fill a tampon or soak through a pad in under 2 hours, especially if this happens several times in a row.

You see blood clots which are larger than a quarter.

You feel lightheaded, weak, or dizzy.

You have chest pain or difficulty breathing.

If you’re looking for advice but don’t have a primary care physician, consider contacting the healthcare provider who prescribed your birth control pills. They can offer guidance on what to do next.

Monitor Symptoms

After taking too many birth control pills, monitor your symptoms over the next few days. Most symptoms, like nausea, breast tenderness, or light bleeding, should go away on their own. However, keep an eye out for any worsening symptoms or new developments.

Here’s what to do:

Track your symptoms: Write down any symptoms you experience and how long they last. This can help you and your healthcare provider determine if you need further treatment.

Continue your pills as scheduled: Even if you’ve taken too many pills, continue taking them as prescribed to maintain their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

Seek medical advice: If you’re unsure about your symptoms or if they persist, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and help you feel more at ease.

Monitoring your symptoms allows you to catch any potential complications early. If you notice anything unusual, such as heavy bleeding or severe headaches, reach out to a healthcare provider right away.

Birth Control Dosages | FAQs

Can I take 3 birth control pills in one day?

Taking three birth control pills in one day isn’t usually dangerous, but it may cause side effects like nausea or spotting. If this happens by mistake, continue taking your pills as scheduled.

What happens if you take 2 birth control pills in one day?

If you take two birth control pills in one day, you might feel a bit nauseous or have a headache, but it’s not usually harmful. Just continue with your next dose as planned.

I took 3 birth control pills at once and now I’m bleeding—what do I do?

If you took three pills at once and are now bleeding, this is likely breakthrough bleeding, which is common. Keep taking your pills as usual, but if the bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop, contact your doctor.

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