Signs of an Overdose

Signs and Symptoms of an Overdose

  • Respiratory Distress
  • Discoloration of the skin (bluing or graying around the lips or fingertips)
  • Unresponsiveness and or Unconsciousness
  • Shallow breathing or lack of breathing at all
  • Weak or low pulse rate
  • Large or pinpoint pupils
  • Vomiting
  • Choking

What to do Next

If you are in a situation where an individual has overdosed. It is important to remain as calm as possible, assess the situation and act. Here are the following steps:

  • Call 911 right away. If you are directly involved with the victim put the phone on speaker.
  • Gently help the individual onto their side and place your hands under their head. This will help prevent them from choking.
  • Look around to see if Narcan is in the vicinity. Reminder that sometimes it may take more than one Narcan dose.
  • Stay on the phone with 911 until help arrives. The 911 operator may instruct you to start CPR. If you are uncomfortable with this and someone is around you ask them to take over and start compressions.

Common Misconceptions and What Not to Do

Witnessing an individual overdose can be a scary and traumatic experience. While it is important not to panic, sometimes adrenaline and even denial of the situation can take over. Here is a list of things not do:

  • Do not attempt to give them a bath or cold shower
  • Do not try and inject them with other drugs or saline solution
  • Do not attempt to have them stand and walk it off or sleep it off
  • Do not try and stick your fingers or anything else in an individual's mouth in an attempt to induce vomiting.
  • Do not leave them