If a person overdoses on an opiate, the resulting symptoms can be severe. They can cause central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory depression, miosis, apnea, and even death if not treated quickly.
Signs and symptoms of opiod intoxication vary depending on the type of opiate ingested, the dose, and the individual’s tolerance to the drug. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sedation, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. They may also be associated with other medical problems.
Other symptoms of opiod intoxication include pinpoint pupils, depressed respiratory rate, cyanosis, and hypotension. Some patients may develop seizures and acute lung injury as a result of opiate intoxication.
In addition, some patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms are more common if a person uses opiates together with alcohol or other drugs.
Opioid toxicity can occur with the use of coingestants such as tricyclics, which are known to depress respiration and increase the risk of death from opiate overdose. Other common coingestants are antidepressants, benzodiazepines, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Treatment of an opioid overdose involves preventing further intoxication with the use of antidotes such as naloxone, and supportive care. Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid and restores respiration.
If someone is overdosing on an opiate, you should call 000 and have him or her brought to a hospital as soon as possible. This is important because the symptoms of opiate overdose can continue for 30 to 90 minutes after administration of the first dose of naloxone.
The signs of an opiate overdose can be difficult to diagnose, especially in young children. Because the symptoms can be so similar, it is important to look for signs of other illnesses or injuries that can help determine the cause of the overdose.
In a child, the most obvious signs of an opiate overdose are constricted pupils, drowsiness and vomiting. These symptoms can be easily mistaken for a seizure, but they are usually caused by the euphoric effect of the opiate.
An individual who has used opiates for a long time is at high risk for developing opiate withdrawal symptoms, which may include anxiety and drug craving. These symptoms are usually present for a few days after an overdose, but they can last for weeks or months.
Tolerance to opiates may develop over time, increasing the amount that is needed to achieve a desired effect. This is especially true for people who are unable to stop using opioids because they are addicted.
These symptoms can be very uncomfortable, but they are reversible. The most effective treatment is to replace the opiate with another drug such as methadone or buprenorphine.
Seizures can occur in individuals who have used opiates for a long time and are still addicted to them. They are usually seen in children, and they are primarily due to paradoxical excitation of the brain.
Medications such as anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants can also cause seizures. This can lead to confusion, paralysis, or loss of consciousness.
