Warning Signs of an Overdose
- Falling asleep
- Loss of Consciousness
- Limp body ( ‘though may be rigid with fentanyl)
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Small, constricted, ‘pinpoint’ pupils
- Pale blue or cold skin, lips and nails
The Signs of a Mixed (Stimulant & Opioid) Overdose
- Fast/troubled breathing
- Increased body temperature
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain
- Seizures or tremor
What You Should Do
- Ensure their airway remains open by lifting the chin to help them breathe and stop them from choking. Clear their airway if it is a STIMULANT overdose.
- For an opiate overdose like fentanyl, shake, shout, and rub their sternum with your knuckles.
- Check breathing and monitor their condition until help arrives. DON’T try to make the person vomit!
- Call 911 immediately.
- Get someone with medical expertise to see patient ASAP.
What Naloxone Can and Can’t Do
Naloxone or Narcan works only on overdoses caused by opioid prescription drugs such as oxycontin, fentanyl, methadone, heroin and vicodin. It will reverse the drug’s interaction for only 30 minutes. It does not work on cocaine, “benzos,” (benzodiazepines) or alcohol.
Wesley Cullen Davidson
Wesley Cullen Davidson is an award-winning freelance writer and journalist specializing in parenting. Currently, she is targeting her writing about recovery to parents whose children have substance abuse disorders.