Large overdoses of some medications cause only minimal effects, while smaller overdoses of other medications can cause severe effects, possibly death. Drug overdoses occur when a person takes more than the medically recommended dose of a prescription or over-the-counter drug. Drug overdose is when a person ingests more the recommended, safe, or typical dose of a prescription medication, recreational drug, or illicit substance. Avoid combining prescription medications with other substances, such as alcohol. To prevent drug overdose from prescription medications, only take the prescribed dose. Many systems are regulated by the CNS, which helps explain why overdoses of other substances, such as alcohol and opiates, can result in critical body systems failing.

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People who take many substances at the same time (including mixing drugs and alcohol) have a higher chance of overdosing. Some substances like opioids are more likely to result in fatal overdoses. It can occur from most legal and illegal substances including alcohol, heroin, painkillers, sleeping pills, stimulants, inhalants, benzodiazepines, and even with prescribed medications. Illicit drugs, used to get high, may be taken in overdose amounts when a person’s metabolism cannot detoxify the drug fast enough to avoid unintended side effects.

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Overdose with opiate drugs causes sedation (sleepiness), low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and slowed breathing. Cocaine and crack cocaine overdoses cause seizures, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, paranoia, and other changes in behavior. Antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline, desipramine, and nortriptyline can cause irregular heart rate, vomiting, low blood pressure (hypotension), confusion, and seizures.

Another important assessment done by the nurse, either in the emergency room or on the psychiatric unit, is the evaluation of patient support systems. Nurses should be cognizant of the importance of careful monitoring of drug levels. An important caveat is that vomiting should not be induced if the patient is unconscious as there is serious risk of choking.

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In many cases, a person who overdoses generally recovers completely and without lasting physical disability. If a person is suspected of overdosing on drugs, call 911 immediately. Because of the potential for problems after some overdoses, syrup of ipecac or other therapies should not be given unless directed by a medical professional. The doctor may order laboratory tests based on the organ systems that can be harmed by the specific drug overdose to make a diagnosis.

• Though not as common as the other substances on this list, it is still something to be aware of to ensure proper care is provided as needed.
• The signs of drug overdose depend on the type of drug an individual takes.
• According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition, ingesting too much of one or multiple drugs can harm the body.
• The next stage of symptoms indicates liver failure and includes abdominal pain and tenderness, swelling of the liver, and abnormal blood tests for liver enzymes.

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Seek immediate medical help by calling 911 or taking them to an emergency unit. If you see these signs of overdose, do not abandon the person out of fear of getting in trouble. This article will explain what an overdose is, the signs and symptoms of overdose to watch for in yourself and others, and what to do in case of an overdose. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an overdose and what to do if you think you or someone else may be overdosing is life-saving information.

This is a notable decrease from the 111,615 deaths recorded in the same period ending in June 2023. Drug misuse and abuse caused about 2.5 million emergency department (ED) visits in 2011. Examination for toxidromes, drug testing, or laboratory test may be helpful.

• The information provided by Addiction Center is not a substitute for professional treatment advice.
• Opioid-related overdoses can range in severity, with many non-fatal overdoses occurring more often than fatal events.
• Treatment for a drug overdose varies depending on the situation.
• Many overdoses are believed to be accidental, happening when a person unknowingly ingests too much of a substance, but some are intentional when a person is attempting suicide.

An overdose may result in serious, harmful symptoms or death. Anyone experiencing a substance use disorder should seek treatment to address their symptoms. This makes it difficult for the body to remove alcohol from the bloodstream and can harm other body parts. Do not share a prescription or take medications prescribed to another individual.

If an individual overdoses on an opioid, it is important to support their breathing. The signs of drug overdose depend on the type of drug an individual takes. Many doctors prescribe opioid medications for pain management. Combining different drugs can cause a particularly dangerous overdose.

Diagnosis of a drug overdose may be based on the symptoms that develop; however, the drug may do extensive damage to the body before significant symptoms develop. An overdose of antidepressants also causes symptoms similar to those seen with anticholinergic drug overdoses. Some of the drugs commonly involved in overdoses are listed below along with symptoms and outcomes. The symptoms of alcohol overdose vary from person to person (though not on what type of alcohol is consumed, as most people wrongly assume). More people drug overdose meaning die from overdose on opioids than any other type of drug, be they illicit opioids like heroin or a prescription opioid.

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When someone experiences a stimulant overdose, their systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and circulation become overwhelmed and increase to breaking point. Alcohol poisoning can cause parts of the brain that control vital functions like heart rate, breathing, and body temperature to shut down, which can be fatal. Overdosing on CNS depressants can lead to respiratory failure, coma, and death. Unless they receive immediate medical assistance, this can cause them to die. Overdoses can be and often are, fatal if not treated by medical professionals immediately.

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The person may need to be admitted to the hospital to continue treatment. A large overdose can cause a person to stop breathing and die if not treated right away. Symptoms, treatment, and recovery depend on the specific drug involved.

For example, the drug naloxone can help reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. Treatment for a drug overdose varies depending on the situation. You should seek medical help immediately if you have these symptoms or witness them in someone else and suspect they may have overdosed.

Treatment may involve therapy, certain medications, or rehabilitation programs. Drinking a lot of alcohol in a short time (binge drinking) can rapidly increase the amount of alcohol in the blood. To avoid an alcohol overdose, avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in a short time. After calling 911, stay with the individual experiencing an alcohol overdose. Naloxone can treat an opioid overdose for up to 90 minutes.

Find rehab for yourself or a loved one by speaking with a treatment provider. To learn more about the recovery process, contact a treatment provider today. For many, starting the addiction treatment process is the scariest step; however, it’s not the last. Cannabis has been considered the world’s most-used illicit substance, though it has gained legality in some places.

This article examines the topic of drug overdose in detail. Opioids, stimulants, and other substances can all cause an overdose. It is imperative that if you or someone you know is experiencing overdose symptoms, you find treatment as soon as possible to prevent any serious life-threatening conditions from occurring.

An overdose of salicylates will cause metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis, conditions in which the body’s pH (acid/base balance) malfunctions. Initial symptoms are gastrointestinal irritation, fever , and vomiting, possibly with blood in the vomit. All drugs have the potential to be misused, whether legally prescribed by a doctor, purchased over the counter at the local drug store, or bought illegally on the street. An overdose is the accidental or intentional use of a drug or medicine in an amount that is higher than normally used or prescribed.