Too much of a good thing can have negative consequences on your health, including taking too many vitamins. A vitamin overdose occurs when you accidentally or purposely take too many vitamins. When taken in the recommended doses, vitamins can have a positive affect on your health. However, vitamins -- especially iron and calcium -- can be toxic to your body.
Symptoms
The first step in treating a vitamin overdose is to recognize the symptoms. These may include nausea, fatigue, headaches, double vision, weakness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, convulsions, signs of an allergic reaction, itching, loss of coordination, diarrhea, paralysis, skin flushing or vomiting. Calcium and iron overdoses are the most severe. These symptoms may include stomach pain, irritability, loss of appetite, depression, headache, dry mouth, severe vomiting, vomiting blood, fatigue and weakness. To avoid complications, seek immediate treatment for these symptoms.
Contact Poison Control
If you believe you have accidentally or purposely taken more than the recommended dosage of vitamins, contact the National Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222. Poison Control can give you instructions on the actions or type of medical care you need based on the amount of vitamins you consumed and your symptoms. Prepare to tell the Poison Control representative exactly what and how much you have taken.
Call 911
If alone and experiencing symptoms of a vitamin overdose, contact your local emergency department or dial 911. A dispatcher can send an ambulance to assist you. While talking with 911, the dispatcher will likely ask what you took, how much, and to describe your overdose symptoms. Never try to self-treat -- such as forcing yourself to throw up -- unless instructed to do so by someone with medical training.
Visit an Emergency Room
Have a neighbor, friend or family member drive you to the nearest emergency room. Prepare to state your age, height, weight, what you have taken, when, how much and how you feel now. If possible, take the vitamin container with you to the hospital. A medical provider will take your vital signs and treat you based on your symptoms and current condition. Treatment may include blood tests, breathing supports, IV medications, an antidote to reverse the affects of the vitamins or pumping your stomach. Treatment is likely to occur on an outpatient basis. However, doctors may admit you to the hospital if you have severe symptoms.
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