Overdose occurs when a person takes more of a substance than the body can safely handle, leading to dangerous or life-threatening effects. The exact symptoms depend on the substance and how it acts on the body, but some general patterns and urgent steps apply. What happens in an overdose
- Opioid or depressant overdoses: these slow breathing and heart function. Early signs can include slowed or shallow breathing, limp or unresponsive body, blue-tinged lips or fingertips, pale or clammy skin, tiny pupils, and unresponsiveness. If breathing becomes very shallow or stops, brain damage and death can occur within minutes to hours if not treated.
- Stimulant overdoses: these speed up the heart and the brain. Signs can include rapid or irregular heartbeat, high or dangerously high blood pressure, chest pain, fever, agitation or confusion, tremors or seizures, vomiting, and in severe cases, trouble breathing or coma.
- Mixed or unknown substances: combinations (for example, opioids with alcohol or sedatives) can produce unpredictable and rapidly worsening symptoms, often combining slowed breathing with impaired consciousness.
What to do if an overdose is suspected
- Call emergency services immediately. Time is critical, especially with breathing problems or loss of consciousness.
- If the person is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally, start CPR if trained to do so, and use an AED if available.
- If opioids are suspected and naloxone is available, administer naloxone per the product instructions and stay with the person until help arrives.
- Do not wait for all symptoms to be obvious—overdoses can worsen rapidly, so seek urgent medical care right away.
- If safe to do so, provide responders with information about what was taken, how much, and when it happened, plus any other medical conditions or medications.
Prevention and risk factors
- Avoid mixing substances (especially depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids).
- Use prescribed medications exactly as directed; never share medications.
- Be cautious with unknown or counterfeit drugs, which may contain dangerous adulterants.
- Have a plan and access to help if someone is at risk, including carrying naloxone where appropriate and legal.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific substance (for example opioids, alcohol, or stimulants) and provide warning signs and steps for that scenario.
