Understanding overdose - What you need to know:
How can just one or two pills kill a person?
Prescription drugs affect the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
Some prescription drugs slow down, or depress, the CNS, while others speed up, or stimulate, the CNS. When a
person takes a prescription drug they give some control of their body to the drug. Prescription drug overdoses can
result in serious brain damage, coma or death.
Every prescription drug behaves differently in each person's body and central nervous system, interacting with their
unique body chemistry and underlying health conditions. What might not affect one person may kill or harm another.
Drugs come in different strengths—some, in particular OxyContin and Methadone, come in strengths strong
enough to kill someone in one dose. Opioids are the most common type of prescription drug resulting in death from
overdose.
The cause of death in cases of Opioid overdose is almost always respiratory failure. Usually the person will get
weak from lack of oxygen, lose consciousness, stop breathing and die. If you are the one experiencing an overdose
you will not be aware that you are in trouble—your only hope is for someone around you to recognize that
something is wrong. One of the key factors in recognizing an overdose is paying attention to how a person is
breathing.
Overdose Symptoms for Opioids
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Slow shallow breathing/respiratory depression (taking less than 10 breaths per minute)
Pinpoint pupils
Blue lips, bluish tinge to skin or fingernails
Confusion
Drowsiness/difficulty staying awake
Cold and clammy skin
Loss of consciousness
Clouding of mental function/abnormal behavior
Seizures
Reduced vision
Nausea/vomiting
A lot of the above symptoms may not seem serious, but it is important to listen to your gut instincts -- if you think
something is wrong it probably is. In cases of possible overdose, it is better to be safe than sorry. Try to get the
individual or one of their friends to tell you what they have taken. Remind them that it is the person’s safety you are
concerned about, and that they could die without help. When talking to your children about overdose, tell them it is
critical that they don't leave a friend alone if it's possible they have overdosed. Their friend’s life may depend on
them.
What if you’re not quite sure the person is really overdosing:
Call Poison Control, 800-222-1222. If you don’t remember the number call 411 and ask to be connected to Poison
Control. You will be able to speak to an expert anonymously, for free. They can assess the person’s condition and
help you make a decision about what needs to be done.
What you can do if you think someone is overdosing and when to call 911:
Watch the person closely. If their respirations start to decrease to less than 10 in a minute, then they probably need
medical attention before their body starts to react to decreased oxygen levels. Call 911. While you are waiting for
an ambulance be sure to keep the person awake; don't let them go to sleep. They may get irritated with you, but do
whatever you have to do to keep them awake. Try shaking them to rouse them, and keep them talking if you can.
If you cannot keep them awake, watch their breathing closely. If they stop breathing, START CPR. Keep doing
this until Emergency Medical Team arrives. Go to this link to see a video on how to do CPR:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n3ahmJzH_E&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Always call 911 if someone has stopped breathing, has lost consciousness, or is having seizures.
Overdose of any type of Opioids is very serious and may require hospitalization. Prescribed or not, Opioid
medication can cause death if abused or misused. If you suspect your child, a friend, or a family member is using
these drugs frequently, be aware Opioids are extremely addictive and they may need professional help to stop.
SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE OF OTHER TYPES OF DRUGS
Overdose Symptoms of CNS Depressant Drugs
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confusion
coma
impaired coordination
sleepiness
slowed reaction time
dizziness
slow heart beat
difficulty breathing
difficulty walking and talking
an appearance of being drunk
unconsciousness
Overdose Symptoms of Ritalin and Stimulant Drugs
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vomiting
agitation
tremors
muscle twitching
convulsions (may be followed by coma)
confusion
hallucinations
While the symptoms of overdose on these other types of drugs are different from Opioids, the steps you should
take if you suspect an overdose are the same.
Resources: The National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, US Dept. of Health and Human
Services, Drugfreeworld.org, Red Cross, Drug-overdose.com