The tragedy of death caused by a drug overdose is real and happening in our world today. Overdose is a major public health issue, and awareness is key to timely intervention and prevention. An overdose occurs when you have too much of a drug, or a combination of drugs that leads to potentially harmful and life-threatening symptoms. All drugs may cause an overdose including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol. Knowing how much and when to take your medication and when not to mix drugs is vital to prevent overdosing. For example, combining alcohol with opioids or benzodiazepines can increase the risk of poisoning.
Some drugs, especially opioids and sedatives, can slow or stop breathing, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the brain. This can cause brain cells to die, leading to permanent brain damage or death.
Different types of drugs cause different symptoms and signs of an overdose.
- Depressants (i.e., benzodiazepines, barbiturates) and opioids (i.e., oxycodone, fentanyl) slow breathing and heart rate, sometimes to the point of death.
- Alcohol, in excess, may cause poisoning, vomiting, irregular/slow breathing, confusion, seizure, unconsciousness.
- Stimulants (i.e., amphetamines) increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, seizures and drug-induced psychotic episodes.
Responding to an Overdose
- An overdose is a medical emergency, so call 911.
- If available, administer Naloxone for suspected opioid overdose. Naloxone is a drug given to revive someone who has had an opioid overdose. It has saved many lives. People who have been given naloxone are at great risk of having a second overdose if they take more drugs afterwards; so do people who continue to abuse drugs after a period of abstinence.
- Place the person in the recovery position (on their side) to prevent choking.
- Stay with the person until help arrives.
The purpose of International Overdose Day (August 31st) is to raise awareness, reduce the stigma and acknowledge the grief associated with drug-related deaths.
By: Leena Thomas, RPh.