Taking more birth control pills than prescribed, whether by accident or intentionally, can be a frightening experience. The term "overdose" often suggests a life-threatening situation, but with oral contraceptives, the reality is typically less severe. Birth control pills have very low toxicity because they contain hormones like estrogen and progestin that are generally considered safe for human use in prescribed amounts. Taking a larger dose at one time is unlikely to cause lasting harm, but it can lead to a series of uncomfortable, temporary side effects.
Immediate Side Effects of Taking Multiple Pills
When you take a large dose of birth control pills, your body is hit with a sudden surge of hormones. The most commonly reported reactions are nausea and vomiting, as the estrogen component in combination pills can irritate the stomach lining.
Other common immediate or short-term symptoms include:
- Headaches: Hormonal fluctuations are a known trigger for headaches.
- Breast Tenderness: The increase in hormones can make breast tissue more sensitive and sore.
- Vaginal Bleeding: Unexpected spotting or withdrawal bleeding can occur, sometimes lasting for a few days. This may happen several days after taking the extra pills.
- Mood Changes: Hormones play a significant role in regulating emotions, so you might experience irritability or mood swings.
- Drowsiness or Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired can happen as your body processes the excess hormones.
- Discolored Urine: Some people may notice a change in their urine color.
These symptoms usually appear within a few hours and resolve on their own within a day or two as the body processes the extra hormones.
What To Do Immediately After
If you have taken multiple birth control pills, do not panic. The situation is not likely to be life-threatening for most individuals. However, it's wise to take a few precautionary steps.
- Contact Poison Control: The first recommended step is to call the Poison Control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States. Their experts are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential advice based on the specific type and number of pills taken. Be prepared to provide the name of the pill, the strength, and how many were ingested.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay close attention to how you are feeling. To manage mild nausea, try eating bland foods like crackers, staying hydrated with small sips of water, and resting. Taking your pills with food or at bedtime can help prevent nausea in general.
- Do Not Induce Vomiting: Unless specifically instructed by a medical professional or Poison Control, do not make yourself throw up.
- Resume Your Schedule: If you took the extra pills accidentally, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist about how to proceed with your regular pill schedule. They can advise on when to take your next pill and how this might affect when you start your next pack.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
While taking extra birth control pills is rarely a medical emergency, certain symptoms warrant immediate attention. You should go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience:
- Severe, uncontrollable vomiting
- Sudden, severe pain
- Signs of a blood clot, such as leg pain or swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden severe headache
- Sudden changes in vision
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like facial swelling or hives
- Loss of consciousness
It is especially important for individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as a history of blood clots, migraines with aura, or certain cancers, to seek medical advice, as the high dose of hormones could pose a greater risk.
Comparing Pill Types and Effects
Oral contraceptives come in two main forms: combination pills (containing both estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills (also known as the mini-pill). The specific effects of taking multiple pills may vary depending on the type.
| Feature | Combination Pills (Estrogen + Progestin) | Progestin-Only Pills (Mini-Pill) |
|---|---|---|
| Common Overdose Symptoms | Nausea and vomiting are more common due to the estrogen component. Withdrawal bleeding is also a frequent effect. | Side effects might be less severe in some cases, but can still include bleeding changes and breast tenderness. |
| Associated Risks | Have a small but known risk of blood clots, which can be serious. While rare, a very large dose could potentially increase this risk. | Do not carry the same risk of blood clots associated with estrogen, making them a safer option in that regard for some individuals. |
Use as Emergency Contraception (Yuzpe Method)
Some may intentionally take multiple birth control pills as a form of emergency contraception (EC). This is known as the Yuzpe method, which involves taking a specific number of certain combination birth control pills to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. The number of pills needed varies by brand and requires a specific cumulative dose of hormones. However, this method is considered less effective than dedicated EC products like Plan B and has a higher incidence of side effects, particularly nausea and vomiting. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before attempting this.
Conclusion
Taking multiple birth control pills at once is unlikely to cause serious or long-term harm for most individuals, but it can lead to unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding. The most important actions are to stay calm, contact Poison Control for guidance, and monitor for any severe symptoms that would require emergency care. Taking extra pills does not increase routine protection against pregnancy and is not a recommended practice. For any concerns about your birth control, including missed pills or potential overdose, always consult a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your health profile.
For more information on contraceptive options, you can visit the NHS contraception guide.
