Overdose happens when an overdose of a drug, medication or any type of substance is used, whether by ingestion, inhalation or direct injection into the bloodstream.
In most cases, the situation of overdose happens with the use of opioids, as is the case with morphine or heroin, and, therefore, the symptoms of overdose are related to respiratory problems. However, there are other types of drugs that can also cause an overdose, and in these situations, the symptoms may differ depending on the type of drug.
Regardless of the symptoms, whenever a person is found unconscious with signs of having been using drugs or some type of medication, it is very important to immediately call for medical help, calling 192, or taking the person to the hospital, starting treatment for overdose or as soon as possible. See what to do in case of overdose and how treatment is done.
1. Depressing drugs
Depressive drugs are those that decrease the activity of the nervous system and, therefore, are more used to obtain relaxation.
The main type of depressant drugs are opioids, which include illicit drugs, such as heroin, but also analgesics for very severe pain, such as codeine, oxycodone, fentanyl or morphine, for example. In addition, antiepileptic drugs or sleeping pills are also part of this group.
When using this type of drugs, it is possible that the overdose is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Weak breathing or difficulty in breathing; Snoring or bubbling breathing, indicating that something is obstructing the lungs; Blue-colored lips and fingertips; Lack of strength and excessive sleepiness; Very closed pupils; Disorientation; Decreased heartbeat; Fainting, no response when trying to move and wake the victim.
Even if the overdose is identified in time to call for medical help, overuse of these drugs and entering the overdose state can cause permanent brain damage.
In the case of opioids, some people who constantly use these types of substances may have an "anti-overdose kit", which consists of a noloxone pen. Noloxone is a drug that undoes the effects of opioids on the brain and that can save the victim from overdose when used quickly. See how to use this remedy.
2. Stimulating drugs
Unlike depressant drugs, stimulants are responsible for increasing the functioning of the nervous system, causing stimulation, euphoria and excitement. This type of substance is mainly used by teenagers and young adults to obtain effects such as increased energy levels, attention span, self-esteem and recognition.
Some examples are cocaine, methamphetamines, LSD or ecstasy, for example. And symptoms of overdose by these substances can include:
- Extreme agitation; Mental confusion; Dialect pupils; Chest pain; Severe headache; Seizures; Fever; Increased heart rate; Agitation, paranoia, hallucinations; Loss of consciousness.
In addition, it is important to remember that using several drugs at the same time and not eating well also increases the risk of overdose and death.
3. Over-the-counter remedies
Although most over-the-counter medications, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, are relatively safe to use without constant medical supervision, they can also cause overdoses. Thus, it is very important to have at least prior medical advice on what dose to use, especially in the case of children.
One of the most common cases is Paracetamol overdose which tends to be made by people who attempt suicide. This type of medicine causes serious liver damage when used in doses higher than indicated and, therefore, the most frequent symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the upper right side of the belly; Nausea and vomiting; Strong dizziness; Convulsions; Fainting.
Depending on the dose used in the overdose, the symptoms can take up to 2 or 3 days to appear, however, lesions develop in the liver since the ingestion of the medication. So, whenever you accidentally take a higher dose, you should go to the hospital, even if there are no symptoms.
