Knowing how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a drug overdose or of alcohol poisoning may save a life. Not everyone may know when someone is overdosing. Some signs and symptoms of overdoses may look quite subtle.
Depending on the substance taken, the signs and symptoms of an overdose will differ. Also, not all overdose victims will present all of the symptoms and signs expected. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of an overdose:
- Abdominal pain
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Bluish tint around the fingernails and lips
- Cold, clammy and pale skin
- Depression and/or suicidal thoughts
- Difficulties breathing
- Drowsiness, exhaustion or fatigue
- Extreme mood changes
- Irregular breathing patterns
- Psychosis, confusion or hallucinations
- Tremors or seizures
- Vomiting and nausea
You'll need to take a look at each drug information guide to get a better idea of what to expect from each substance. The type of signs and symptoms expected will depend on the neurochemical pathways that the drugs affect.
It's also important to note that the signs and symptoms of a drug overdose can differ if more than one substance is taken at the same time. The different substances may cross-react with one another. This makes it harder to spot an overdose.
What to Do in Event of a Heroin Overdose
Heroin has become an increasingly popular drug. Nearly 948,000 Americans reported using heroin in 2016. A large percentage of Americans who use heroin have switched over from prescription opioids. When their prescription ran out, they turned to illicit opioids, which are easily accessible and fairly inexpensive.
Heroin is a dangerous drug. It's easy to develop tolerance to this substance, and it can do a lot of damage to the body. It's also easy to overdose on heroin. Often, those around the overdose victim won't even notice that they're overdosing.
Someone who is overdosing on heroin will simply look like they're falling asleep. When they fall asleep, they'll stop breathing. An overdose leads to not only cardiac, but also respiratory depression and failure.
If you notice that someone is overdosing on heroin, you must act quickly. Heroin takes effect on the body quickly. You should:
- Get medical help immediately by calling 9-1-1. Now is not the time to hesitate.
- Check if the overdose victim is conscious or not. If he or she is unresponsive, place him or her in the recovery position.
- Perform CPR if the overdose victim ever stops breathing.
- Administer naloxone, the opioid-reversing antidote, as soon as possible.
Naloxone comes in two forms. It can either be injected into a muscle or it can be sprayed into the nasal passage. With both methods, the drug should take effect within 5 to 30 minutes. If no effect is seen, administer another dose of naloxone.
Stay with the overdose victim until help arrives. Keep him or her as comfortable as possible until then.
What to Do in Event of a Cocaine Overdose
Unlike with a heroin overdose, there's no antidote for a cocaine overdose. The signs and symptoms of an overdose also look quite different. Instead of experiencing cardiac failure, the overdose victim may experience cardiac arrest.
He or she may have higher than normal blood pressure. He or she may also become aggravated or aggressive.
Deal with a cocaine overdose differently by:
- Calling 9-1-1 as soon as possible for help
- Administering CPR if needed
- Using physical restraints to get the victim to calm down
- Getting as much information out of the victim as possible, like the dose taken and when the dose was taken
One of the most important things to do is to keep the overdose victim as calm as possible until help arrives. This may include removing any triggers that may upset him or her.
Keep the overdose victim as comfortable as possible until help arrives. Stay by his or her side until then.
What to Do in Event of a Prescription Drug Overdose
There are many different types of prescription drugs. For example, common prescription medications include:
- Barbiturates like Penthotal and Capcet
- Benzodiazepines like Xanax
- Opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone
- Sedatives like Ativan or Valium
- Stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin
Depending on the medication taken, different signs and symptoms can be expected. Prescription drug abuse is actually a lot more common than what most people would think. Many people are under the misconception that these medications are harmless since doctors prescribe them. Unfortunately, some of these medications come with a potential for abuse and are addictive.
Depending on the type of prescription drug that is taken, different types of actions should be taken. In general, your safest bet is to call 9-1-1 for help immediately. Follow the instructions given to you on the phone. Also, place the victim in the recovery position if he or she ever loses consciousness.
Instructions will differ. For example, if the overdose victim took opioids. The operator may recommend that you administer naloxone if you have it handy. Naloxone will reverse the effects of the prescription medicine.