Signs and Treatments for Drug Overdoses

Recognize the signs and treatments of drug overdoses to potentially save lives. Overdoses result from various substances and medications, with varying effects and severity. Understanding when to seek assistance and how to manage an overdose until help arrives is essential.

What Is a Drug Overdose?

An overdose, also known as an OD, occurs when a person takes a larger dose of a drug than their body can handle. It can be accidental, even when taken as prescribed, or deliberate, as a suicide attempt.

Overdose Statistics

The Centers for Disease Control reported an increase in synthetic opioid overdose deaths, excluding methadone, including tramadol and fentanyl.

In 2020, more than 56,000 synthetic opioid deaths were reported, with a 56% increase from 2019 to 2020.

Synthetic opioids like fentanyl, a man-made opioid, are significantly more potent than heroin and morphine.

Why Overdoses Happen

Multiple factors can lead to drug overdoses, including:

1. Misusing prescription medications: Accidental overdoses can occur due to misuse, not following doctor's instructions, or interactions with other substances.

2. Illicit drug use: Consuming illegal drugs can introduce unknown quantities and mixtures, increasing the risk of overdose.

3. Relapsing after abstinence: Taking substances after a period of abstinence can lead to an accidental overdose due to decreased tolerance.

Accidental overdoses are less common with prescription drugs.

Strength, dosage, and instructions are provided by physicians. However, confusion, forgetfulness, extreme weight loss, or discontinuing medication can contribute to overdoses.

Over-the-counter medications and seemingly harmless substances like unregulated vitamin supplements can also lead to severe or irreversible overdoses.

Signs of an Overdose

Overdose symptoms vary depending on the substance and amount consumed. General symptoms include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting
• Confusion and drowsiness
• Cool, clammy skin
• Pinpoint pupils
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Difficulty breathing
• Changes in heart rate

Symptoms for Different Substances

• Opioid overdoses: Clammy skin, limpness, slowed breathing, decreased heart rate, small pupils, vomiting, and unconsciousness.
• Depressant overdoses: Confusion, slowed or stopped breathing, loss of consciousness, and coma.
• Stimulant overdoses: Rapid breathing, fever, fast heartbeat, extreme blood pressure changes, convulsions, paranoia, and coma.
• Alcohol overdose: Slow breathing and heart rate, slower reflexes, confusion, decreased body temperature, and seizures.

What to Do for an Overdose

If an overdose is suspected, immediately seek medical attention by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.

During an overdose:

• Remain calm.
• Do not attempt to revive the person alone.
• Stay with the person and prevent choking on vomit.
• Be honest with medical professionals about the consumed substances.

Treatment for an Overdose

• Rapid administration of naloxone (Narcan), an opioid antagonist, can reverse opioid overdoses.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray in 2023.
• Treatments may include stomach washing, activated charcoal, or medications to counteract the drugs in the system.
• Vital signs may require improvement.

Preventing Overdoses

Strategies to prevent overdoses include:

• Keeping prescription medications out of reach of children and pets.
• Discussing substance dependence with doctors for treatment options.
• Taking steps to avoid relapse, such as talking to doctors about medications to reduce cravings, joining support groups, and considering other long-term recovery options.