What type of neurological potential risk is associated with severe antidepressant overdose?

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Severe antidepressant overdose is known to pose several significant neurological risks, with seizures being one of the most prominent concerns. Antidepressants affect neurotransmitter systems, particularly serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. In massive overdoses, this imbalance can lead to phenomena such as serotonin syndrome, which can manifest with a range of symptoms, including seizures.

Seizures may occur due to the central nervous system's excitability caused by the overactivity of these neurotransmitters. This phenomenon reminds healthcare providers to monitor patients closely for neurological disturbances in cases of suspected or confirmed antidepressant overdose.

While coma, paralysis, and hallucinations may be associated with certain drug toxicities or overdose scenarios, seizures are particularly conspicuous in the context of antidepressant overdoses, given the pharmacological mechanisms involved. Seizures are a direct consequence of the neurological effects that these medications can exert when present in excess, making them a clear risk factor in this situation.

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