Drug Overdose
Taking more of a drug than the body can safely process
Quick Facts
- Type: Medical emergency / poisoning
- Can involve: Prescription, over-the-counter, or illicit drugs
- Emergency signs: Trouble breathing, unconsciousness, seizures
- First action: Call emergency services immediately
Overview
A drug overdose occurs when someone takes an amount of a drug that overwhelms the body's ability to process it, leading to harmful and sometimes life-threatening effects. It can involve prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, alcohol, or illegal drugs, and it may be accidental or intentional. Overdoses can happen with a single very large dose or by combining substances that amplify one another's effects.
A drug overdose is a medical emergency. Some overdoses can stop a person's breathing or heart within minutes. If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services right away. Quick action and treatment save lives, and in the case of opioid overdose, a medication called naloxone can reverse the effects if given in time.
Symptoms
Signs vary by the drug involved but often affect breathing, consciousness, and the heart. Emergency warning signs include:
- Slow, shallow, irregular, or stopped breathing
- Extreme drowsiness, unresponsiveness, or loss of consciousness
- Bluish lips or fingertips
- Seizures or violent shaking
- Severe confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
- Chest pain or a very fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Severe vomiting, especially while not fully awake (choking risk)
Opioid overdose often causes pinpoint pupils, very slow breathing, and unresponsiveness. Stimulant overdose may cause agitation, high body temperature, and a racing heart.
Causes
Overdose can result from many situations:
- Taking too much of a medication: Accidentally or intentionally exceeding a safe dose, including common drugs such as pain relievers.
- Mixing substances: Combining alcohol, opioids, sedatives, or other drugs that suppress breathing.
- Misjudging strength: Illicit drugs may be far stronger than expected or contain hidden, potent substances.
- Loss of tolerance: Returning to a previous dose after a break, such as after detox, when the body can no longer tolerate it.
Risk Factors
- Substance use disorder or a history of overdose
- Using opioids, sedatives, or stimulants, especially in combination
- Mixing drugs with alcohol
- Mental health conditions, including depression and thoughts of self-harm
- Taking multiple medications that interact
- Using drugs alone, where help is not nearby
Diagnosis
In an emergency, treatment begins before all tests are complete. Evaluation may include:
- Assessment of breathing, heart rate, and consciousness to guide immediate care.
- History from the person or bystanders about what and how much was taken.
- Blood and urine tests to identify substances and check organ function.
Poison control centers and emergency teams can help identify the drug and the right treatment.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on supporting vital functions and counteracting the drug.
- Supportive care: Help with breathing, fluids, and monitoring of heart and brain function.
- Antidotes: Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose; specific antidotes exist for some other drugs.
- Decontamination: Activated charcoal may be used in certain cases to limit absorption.
- Ongoing care: Treating complications and, when appropriate, connecting the person with mental health and addiction support.
If you have naloxone and suspect an opioid overdose, give it and call emergency services; it is safe to use even if you are unsure.
Prevention
- Take medicines exactly as prescribed and never share them
- Store medications safely, away from children and others
- Avoid mixing drugs, especially with alcohol or sedatives
- Carry and know how to use naloxone if you or someone you know uses opioids
- Seek treatment and support for substance use disorders
- Do not use drugs alone, so help is available if needed
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call emergency services immediately if you suspect an overdose. Do not wait to see if symptoms pass. Seek emergency help if a person has slow or stopped breathing, cannot be woken, has a seizure, has bluish lips, or has chest pain or an irregular heartbeat. If an opioid overdose is possible and naloxone is available, give it right away. If someone has taken a substance to harm themselves, they need urgent medical and mental health care; contact emergency services or a suicide and crisis lifeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I think someone has overdosed?
Call emergency services immediately. Check whether they are breathing and responsive, and stay with them. If an opioid overdose is possible and naloxone is available, give it. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.
What is naloxone and how does it help?
Naloxone is a medicine that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose by restoring breathing. It is safe to give even if you are not sure opioids are involved, and you should still call emergency services because its effect can wear off.
Can you overdose on common over-the-counter medicines?
Yes. Taking too much of medicines such as certain pain relievers can cause serious harm, including liver or organ damage. Always follow dosing instructions and seek medical advice or contact poison control if too much is taken.
Is a drug overdose always intentional?
No. Many overdoses are accidental, such as taking too much medication, mixing substances, or misjudging the strength of a drug. Regardless of intent, an overdose is a medical emergency that needs immediate care.
How can drug overdoses be prevented?
Take medicines only as prescribed, avoid mixing drugs and alcohol, store medications safely, and seek treatment for substance use disorders. For those who use opioids, carrying naloxone and not using alone can be lifesaving.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Drug Overdose.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Naloxone.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Drug overdose.
- Mayo Clinic. Drug addiction (substance use disorder).