Opiate Overdose

There are a number of commonly prescribed medications that fall in the category of opiates, including morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. Many doctors prescribe opioid-based pain relievers because they are incredibly effective at managing both chronic pain and acute pain. However, despite the ability of these drugs to control pain, it is realize that taking any opiate painkiller regularly, even if you take it exactly as prescribed, will result in a dependence upon or addiction to the drug. Abusing the drug by taking more than prescribed, taking it too often or combining it with other drugs or alcohol will most likely result in an opiate overdose.

At Meditox, we can tailor an opiate addiction treatment for you on your first visit before you experience a potentially fatal opiate overdose.

What are the Signs of an Opiate Overdose?

When an opiate overdose is in effect, the most common sign is respiratory depression, in which the respiratory rate of the victim decreases in volume. In simple terms, the natural urge to breathe is diminished and when you overdose, it can stop altogether. A severe stupor or even coma can follow in the wake of an opiate overdose as well as a number of other symptoms including:

Muscle spasticity
Slow and labored breathing
Shallow breathing
Loss of breath
Pinpoint pupils
Bluish-colored fingernails and lips
Spasms of stomach and/or intestinal tract
Constipation
Weak pulse
Low blood pressure

In the grimmest circumstances, cardiac arrest and finally death can occur.

What Do I Do in the Event of an Opiate Overdose?

If an opiate overdose is present, call 911 at once. The operator who answers your call will need you to provide the patient's age, weight, and the basic symptoms they are exhibiting. You will also need to establish the name of the medication that was taken, the amount that was injected and if the opiate was prescribed to the patient.

Contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 is you suspect an overdose, but are not sure. The experts manning the phone lines will give you further instructions and answer any questions you may have.

How is an Opiate Overdose Treated?

The treatment of an opiate overdose usually starts with getting the patient to breathe if they have stopped breathing or breathe easier if it appears that they are having difficulty getting enough oxygen. To do this, medical personnel may begin with an assisted or controlled ventilation system before administering the narcotic antagonist, naloxone, to stop the action of the opiate in the body. Oxygen, intravenous fluids and vasopressors will be administered if needed.

How Do I Avoid an Opiate Overdose?

Avoiding an opiate overdose can be quite simple. First, be alert to food and medications that may contain alcohol as combining alcohol and opiates is extremely dangerous. Also, if you have taken the medication in the past, do not self-prescribe your previous dosage as your tolerance will be significantly lower than it was before; always follow your current prescription. Finally, discuss with your doctor all prescription and non-prescription drugs you will be taking with the opiate medication to avoid any complications.

Avoid an Opiate Overdose Through Opiate Addiction Treatment at Meditox

Our opiate addiction program at Meditox is an outpatient drug addiction treatment, which requires no time commitment from beyond the initial appointment. However, should you need us for any reason during your Suboxone detox, your Meditox clinical team will be available to you 24 hours a day to assist you.

If you are suffering from an opiate addiction and are ready to take measures to prevent an opiate overdose, contact our Meditox calling center today to get started.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

University of Cambridge: Opiates Poisoning
Opiate Overdose

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