What Are the Signs of an Opioid Overdose?

Opioid medications are prescription drugs used to treat severe pain. Medications that fall into the opioid class include morphine, hydrocodone and oxycodone. These drugs are potent and people who mismanage them are putting themselves at risk of an opioid overdose. Signs of opioid overdose can include drowsiness, trouble breathing and vomiting. Patients can avoid overdosing on opioids by taking them only as directed by a doctor.

One sign that someone may be experiencing an opioid overdose is drowsiness. If someone has taken too much narcotic medication, then he may have trouble staying awake. A person who seems dizzy or struggles to stay awake may need professional medical help. It is not a good idea to let a friend or family member simply sleep off his discomfort. A person suffering from an opioid overdose can slip into a coma or die if enough medicine has been consumed.

Breathing issues are another serious sign of opioid overdose. Someone who is having trouble breathing after taking opioid medication should be taken to the emergency room. A person who has taken too much of an opioid medication may breathe slowly, experience chest pain or turn blue in the extremities or lips. It is important to keep the person suffering from a potential overdose from falling asleep. It also may be beneficial to perform mouth-to-mouth rescusitation on the person.

Vomiting is another classic sign of an opioid overdose. This can occur after a person takes too much of one kind of opioid or combines an opioid medication with another medication. A person who vomits too much as a result of opioid complications can become extremely dehydrated. A person who cannot hold down even small amounts of water should be taken to a hospital.

Certain opioid medications, such as hydrocodone, contain a high amount of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage when taken in excess. Only a hospital has the tools and treatments necessary to protect the liver once an opioid overdose of this type has occurred. Even if the person who has taken the pills thinks he is fine and can ride out the affiliated nausea and fatigue, avoiding medical care at this point can lead to irreversible liver problems.