An opiate overdose means someone has taken too much pain medicine. This can be vicodin, percocet, MS Contin, Oxycontin, heroin, morphine, methadone, or other drugs. An overdose can happen because a person is trying to “get high.” It can also happen when taking medicine to get rid of pain. Sometimes a person will overdose on purpose.
What are common symptoms?
Common symptoms include:
- Slow breathing
- Sleepiness
- Very small pupils (the black part of the center of the eye)
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure
- Blue fingernails or lips
How is it treated?
Treatment includes:
- Medicine to reverse the effects
- Wash out the stomach using a tube passed from the mouth to the stomach
- Use a breathing machine if they cannot breathe on their own
- Check blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels •If too many opiates were taken on purpose, a psychiatrist will talk to the patient
Can there be long-term problems?
Yes, brain damage can occur if the patient stops breathing for along time. This is because the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen to keep working. Death can also occur.
How does a methadone overdose differ?
Methadone takes a long time to get out of the body. People who take too much methadone often stay in the hospital longer. It can cause the heart to beat very slowly. It can cause the heartbeat to be abnormal. Sometimes the heart needs to be stopped and started with electric shocks.
What are other treatments?
- People that may have used other substances (tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, meth or prescription meds) along with opiates can be very sick. They will receive help to stop drug and alcohol use or addiction.
- You may also see a psychiatrist. If you have any questions about programs to help stop using drugs, ask to speak with a social worker. The social worker can give you names and phone numbers of groups that can help.