DRUG OVERDOSE (OD)

A drug overdose (OD) can occur when a person consumes a risky quantity of a substance, and the aftereffects of this overload prevent their body and brain from functioning normally. This is known as a drug overdose. Drug overdoses may be fatal, but even when they are not, the toxicity associated with them can have detrimental short- and long-term effects on one’s health.

An overdose is an emergency that needs to be cured right away. So, go to the nearest hospital or call your doctor.

SYMPTOMS

When someone overdoses, a variety of signs and symptoms might appear, and everyone reacts differently. Drug overdose (OD) symptoms and signs can include any of the following:

  • which drug they ingested
  • how much they ingested
  • their age
  • their condition and other factors

The following are possible signs of a drug overdose:

  • abdominal cramps and severe stomach discomfort
  • nausea and vomiting
  • chest pain
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • awake but unresponsive
  • loss of coordination
  • confusion or drowsiness
  • gurgling or choking noises
  • blue lips or fingernails
  • having trouble breathing
  • loss of consciousness
  • Seizures

DIAGNOSIS

If you have any of these signs or notice them in someone else and believe they may have overdosed, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can tell if these signs point to an overdose most easily. They will be able to get a more accurate diagnosis by asking about the symptoms and history. Moreover, early medical intervention can significantly improve the outcome of treating a drug overdose.

TREATMENT

The treatment for a drug overdose varies depending on the circumstances. During treatment, knowing how much of each drug was consumed might be very beneficial. The following general therapeutic approaches may be employed by healthcare professionals:

  • delivering activated charcoal, which helps the body’s digestive system assimilate the medication
  • clearing the air passage or putting a breathing tube
  • inducing vomiting to eliminate the chemical from the stomach
  • removing the material from the stomach by pumping the stomach
  • administering intravenous fluids to hasten the elimination of the drug by the body

For some drug overdoses, the healthcare provider may be able to administer an antidote.

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