How to Identify a Drug Overdose

Drug abuse can result in serious health complications that may include overdose among other side effects like addiction. Drug overdose may fall into either intentional or accidental categories. Intentional overdoses in most cases occur when someone triesto commit suicide. On the other hand, Accidental overdoses in most cases occur when somebody takes more than the prescribed medication by the doctor or when they use too much of a drug to get ‘high’.

Drug overdose can be identified by physical examination of signs and symptoms, among other procedures. Such procedures are as discussed below:

Identification of signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of drug overdose may vary from one person to another and also depend on the drug ingested. Common signs of a drug overdose may include:

·         Abnormal breathing

·         Vomiting and nausea

·         Abnormal body temperature

·         Abnormal pulse rate

·         Stomach problem

·         Abnormal blood pressure, either high or low

·         Dizziness

·         Anxiety

·         Dilated pupils

·         Death

Someone may not necessarily exhibit all or most of the signs and symptoms, but if he/she depicts a few, this may indicate an overdose.

Let’s discuss some of the featured signs and symptoms in depth to see the DOs and DON’Ts when a friend or a stranger is under such a situation.

Pulse Rate

Source

Pulse rate refers to the number of times a heart beats per minute. Many factors may influence your heart rate but increased pulse rate accompanied by other drug overdose signs can help identify if one has taken an overdose of a certain drug.

An unusual low or high pulse rates indicates an underlying body problem. Different drugs have different effects on heart (pulse) rate, either decreased or increase. Several drugs such as inhalantsand narcotics result in decreased pulse rate among other signs. Several other drug overdoses resulting in increased heart rate includestimulants.

Respiratory rate

This refers to the number of breathes per minute or inspirations and expirations per any given unit time. Different activities such as engaging in vigorous physicaltasks can increase respiration rate, but if all these factors have been ruled out, drug overdose may be the cause of increased respiratory rate. Stimulants can cause increased pulse rate, which in turn increases respiratory rate. Other causes may include:

·         Emotional causes such as Nervousness and Anxiety, panic attacks, and Stress

·         Medical causes such as bleeding, infections, pregnancies, severe pain, and lung diseases e.g. asthma

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure can be defined as the strength by which the blood pushes against blood vessels as it is pumped around our bodies for energy and oxygen needed. Ideal/normal blood pressure for a health human being below 120/80 mmHg. At this level we have low chances of contracting stroke or a heart disease. Some over the counter drugs and some other substances such as supplements can have an adverse effect on your blood pressure. Below is a list of some supplements, substances and medications that can result to an increase in your blood pressure.

·         Antidepressants- Some examples of antidepressantsthat can result in an increase in your blood pressure include Tricyclic antidepressants, Fluoxetine, and venlafaxine among others that change our response to brain chemicals that affect our moods.

·         Caffeine- Caffeine may increase your blood pressure when taken in large quantities by temporarily blocking a hormone basically responsible for keeping our blood vessels widened. Examples of caffeine-containing substances or medications include coffee and other beverages, energy drinks, and caffeine pills.

·         Pain medications- Some examples of pain medications such as paracetamol and opioids can also increase blood pressure when taken in quantities higher than prescribed. Blood pressure increases mainly due to increased pulse rate and constriction of blood vessels

Abnormal Breathing

Abnormal breathing also termed as labored respiration/breathing can be defined as a respiratory problem characterized by increased hardship to breathe. It is important to note the difference between abnormal breathing from shortness of breath (dyspnea) which is a simply a respiratory distress sensation.

Abnormal breathing can sometimes be caused by ingestion of some drugs and overdose of others. Breathe shortness is an example of abnormal breathing that can be caused by overdose of some drugs and side effects of other drugs used at normal dose.

Smoking can be associated with serious respiratory problems such as breath shortness due to blockage of air pathways. It is important to also note that abnormal breathing can be associated with other conditions such as lung and heart conditions. Therefore, other overdose symptoms and signs can help rule out diseases or illnesses that may affect your breathing.

Stomach Problem

A stomach problem or simply a stomach ache is a term referring to cramps or pain in the abdomen.Common stomach problems associated with drug overdose include:

·         Trapped wind(with bloating) resulting in discomfort

·         Constipation

·         Discomfort or pain after eating(indigestion)

In most cases, drug ingestion results instomach complications such as abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. This can lead to serious body fluid loss resulting in dehydration which in turn if not taken care of immediately, can result in death. Other common stomach signs and symptoms of drug overdose include:

·         Vomiting blood

·         Being unable to breathe

·         Having black or bloody stools

·         Feeling pain when you touch your stomach

Other Methods

Other methods that can be used to identify drug overdose include:

·         Drug screening

·         Information from family members about the type and amount of drug you take

Prevention of Drug Overdose

Not taking drugs in an inappropriate manner at all is the best method to avoid an overdose. But if it happens to you or someone you care for, following these simple steps will prove helpful to decrease the chances and probability of an overdose.

·         Increasing drug awareness, signs, and risks.

·         Understand the dosage and drugs to take

·         Use a low dose after a while of not using

·         In the case of a drug addiction, seek treatment for substance abuse

When to seek Medical Care

Your doctor, emergency department, local hospital, or poison center can help you determine the seriousness of a suspected drug overdose. In case you develop any symptoms related to drug overdose such as the ones discussed in the article, you should seek immediate medical help to get better treatment.