Albuterol is a short-acting beta-adrenergic receptor agonist that is used to prevent bronchospasms and asthma. It is also used to treat breathing difficulties, chest tightness and wheezing. This bronchodilator works by opening and relaxing the air pathways of the lungs to improve breathing. Common side effects of albuterol such as shakiness, dizziness and nervousness usually subside after a few hours. When taken beyond the prescribed dose, albuterol can pose health dangers.
Seizures
According to the National Institutes of Health website Daily Med, albuterol overdose can cause seizures or uncontrolled muscle movements and contractions. Seizures are believed to be an effect of exaggerated beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation which results from taking too much albuterol.
Irregular Heartbeat
Cardiovascular effects specifically irregularities in heartbeat is one of the possible symptoms of albuterol overdose, as stated by Daily Med. Albuterol, like other beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, causes a significant increase or decrease in heart rate when taken beyond the prescribed dose.
Dry Mouth and Oral Cavity
As mentioned by MedlinePlus, dry mouth or lack of saliva occurs during albuterol overdose. Albuterol is also classified as a sympathomimetic drug which mimics the body's sympathetic nervous responses, dry mouth being one of them. Large quantities and high doses of this drug can lead to excessive dryness on the mouth and oral cavity.
Difficulty Falling Sleep
Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep is one of the symptoms of albuterol overdose, as described by MedlinePlus. Sleep patterns are controlled by the body's sympathetic nervous system; too much albuterol in the body exaggerates these responses and affects the nervous system as a whole.
Chest Pain
Chest pain or angina has been observed to be one of the effects of albuterol overdose in the cardiovascular system, according to MedlinePlus. Under normal circumstances, the body's sympathetic nervous system increases cardiovascular function. Albuterol, as a sympathomimetic drug, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. A higher-than-prescribed dose magnifies these responses and even aggravates certain cardiovascular conditions such as myocardial ischemia.
Nausea
Nausea, or the uneasy and unsettling feeling of the stomach, is one of the possible symptoms of albuterol overdose. The sympathetic nervous system also affects the gastrointestinal system. Large quantities of albuterol causes over-stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system which leads to nausea.
