Drug Overdose
Signs and symptoms of drug overdose vary according to the drug(s) taken but may include the following:
- Abnormal breathing
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Overly slow or rapid pulse
- Overly low or high temperature
- Overly big or small pupils
- Reddish face
- Heavy sweating
- Drowsiness
- Delusions and/or hallucinations
- Unconsciousness
If you suspect a person has overdosed—especially if he or she has collapsed, is unconscious or has stopped breathing—call 911. When reporting a possible drug overdose to medical/emergency personnel, it’s important to provide the following information:
- The name of the medication or drug, if known
- The amount of the drug taken, if know (e.g., the number of pills or amount of liquid you suspect was swallowed)
- When the medication or drug was taken
- The person's age, gender and weight
- How the person is feeling and reacting
- Any medical problems the person has, if known
For questions about poisons and overdoses, call the national poison control center (800-222-1222) or visit their website at http://www.1-800-222-1222.info/.