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’s important to listen to your gut instincts—if you
think something is wrong it probably is, it’s better in cases of overdose to be safe than sorry. If you think
your friend may be overdosing you need to get your friend home if he is well enough; if he’s not get help
then call his parents. Be honest with everyone about what your friend has taken. Do not just help him get
home and not say anything to his parents. It is also critical you don't leave a friend alone; your friend’s life
may depend on you. If you leave your friend alone or not tell their parents your concerns about possible
overdose, they could go to sleep and not wake up!
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. If your friend has stopped
breathing, is unconscious or having seizures you must call 911 immediately.
What you can do if you think someone is overdosing and when to call 911:
Watch your friend closely. If his respirations start to decrease to less than 10 in a minute, then he
probably needs medical attention before his body starts to react to decreased oxygen levels. Call 911.
While you are waiting for an ambulance be sure to keep him awake, don't let him go to sleep. He may
get irritated with you, but do whatever you have to do. Try shaking him to rouse him. It is critical to
keep him awake and talking if you can. Use your head especially if respirations are decreasing, better to
call 911 than go to a funeral or visit your friend while he lays in a coma.
If you can't keep him awake and talking watch his breathing closely. If he stops breathing start CPR.
Keep doing this until EMS 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
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 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.
Resources:
The National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, US Dept. of Health and Human Services,
Drugfreeworld.org, Oxyabusekills.com, Red Cross, Drug-overdose.com