Drug Overdose

Drug overdoses can be accidental or on purpose. The amount of a drug needed to cause an overdose varies with the type of drug and the person taking it. Overdoses from prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, "street" drugs, and/or alcohol can be life-threatening. Know, too, that mixing certain medications or "street" drugs with alcohol can also kill.

Physical symptoms of a drug overdose vary with the type of drug(s) taken. They include:
Abnormal breathing
Slurred speech
Lack of coordination
Slow or rapid pulse
Low or elevated body temperature
Enlarged or small eye pupils
Reddish face
Heavy sweating
Drowsiness
Violent outbursts
Delusions and/or hallucinations
Unconsciousness which may lead to coma
(Note: A diabetic who takes insulin may show some of the above symptoms if he or she is having an insulin reaction.)

Parents need to watch for signs of illegal drug and alcohol use in their children. Morning hangovers, the odor of alcohol, and red streaks in the whites of the eyes are obvious signs of alcohol use. Items such as pipes, rolling papers, eye droppers and butane lighters may be the first telling clues that someone is abusing drugs. Another clue is behavior changes such as:
Lack of appetite
Insomnia
Hostility
Mental confusion
Depression
Mood swings
Secretive behavior
Social isolation
Deep sleep
Hallucinations

Prevention

Accidental prescription and over-the-counter medication overdoses may be prevented by asking your doctor or pharmacist:
What is the medication and why is it being prescribed?
How and when should the medication be taken and for how long? (Follow the instructions exactly as given.)
Can the medication be taken with other medicines or alcohol or not?
Are there any foods to avoid while taking this medication?
What are the possible side effects?
What are the symptoms of an overdose and what should be done if it occurs?
Should any activities be avoided such as sitting in the sun, operating heavy machinery, driving?
Should the medicine still be taken if there is a pre-existing medical condition?

To avoid medication overdoses:
Never take a medicine prescribed for someone else.
Never give or take medication in the dark.
Before each dose, always read the label on the bottle to be certain it is the correct medication.
Always tell the doctor of any previous side effects or adverse reactions to medication as well as new and unusual symptoms that occur after taking the medicine.
Always store medications in bottles with child-proof lids and place those bottles on high shelves, out of a child's reach, or in locked cabinets.
Take the prescribed dose, not more.
Keep medications in their original containers
To discourage illicit drug use among children:
Set a good example for your children by not using drugs yourself.
Teach your child to say "NO" to drugs and alcohol. Explain the dangers of drug use, including the risk of AIDS.
Get to know your children's friends and their parents.
Know where your children are and who they are with.
Listen to your children and help them to express their feelings and fears.
Encourage your children to engage in healthy activities such as sports, scouting, community-based youth programs and volunteer work.
Learn to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol abuse.

Questions to Ask

Is the person not breathing and has no pulse? FIRST AID Perform CPR	AND
Is the person not breathing, but has a pulse? FIRST AID Perform Rescue Breathing	AND
Is the person unconscious? FIRST AID Lay the victim down on his or her left side and check airway, breathing and pulse often before emergency care. Do CPR or Rescue Breathing as needed.	AND
Does the person have any of these signs? Hallucinations Confusion Convulsions Breathing slow and shallow and/or slurring their words
Do you suspect the person has taken an overdose of drugs? FIRST AID Call Poison Control Center. Follow the Poison Control Center's instructions. Approach the victim calmly and carefully. Walk the person around to keep him or her awake and to help the syrup of ipecac work faster, if you were told to give this to the victim. Also, see "Poisoning".	AND
Is the person's personality suddenly hostile, violent and aggressive? FIRST AID Use caution. Protect yourself. Do not turn your back to the victim or move suddenly in front of him or her. If you can, see that the victim does not harm you, himself or herself. Remember, the victim is under the influence of a drug. Call the police to assist you if you cannot handle the situation. Leave and find a safe place to stay until the police arrive.	AND
Have you or someone else accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose of a prescription or over-the-counter medication?

DO NOT perform any technique unless it is a matter of life and death! If you are unsure of what you are doing, please follow the instructions given by a 911 operator. (Note: If doctor is not available, call Poison Control Center. Follow instructions given.)