What Are The Symptoms Of An Opioid OverdoseUpdated 7 months ago

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Opioids are a group of drugs that are primarily prescribed to treat pain. They work by binding to and interacting with the body’s opioid receptors, blocking pain signals sent to the brain through the spinal cord and enhancing feelings of pleasure. Opioids affect many parts of the mind and body, including the area of the brain that controls breathing. When a person takes more opioids than their body can handle, their breathing slows, which can result in unconsciousness and even death.

Anyone using opioids can have an overdose. However, several factors can increase the likelihood of an overdose, such as taking higher or more frequent doses of opioids than prescribed, using opioids with alcohol, and certain health conditions. There are a variety of symptoms that may occur when a person is experiencing an opioid overdose. Being aware of these symptoms and responding to them as soon as possible can be life-saving in the event of an opioid overdose.

Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose

Difficulty walking

A person’s muscles become slack and droopy during an opioid overdose, which can cause them difficulty with moving or walking.

Difficulty talking

During an opioid overdose, a person may be awake but unable to talk. If they are not awake, they may make choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds.

Difficulty staying awake

A person having an opioid overdose may experience feelings of extreme drowsiness, which can make it hard for them to stay awake. They may be difficult to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at. Loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness to outside stimuli are indicators that an opioid overdose may be occurring.

Cold and clammy skin

When a person is experiencing an opioid overdose, their face can become pale, cold, and clammy. Their fingernails and lips may be tinged blue or purplish-black.

Slow, weak or no breathing

Slow, shallow, or weak breathing can be a sign of an opioid overdose. Breathing may also halt entirely during an overdose. A slow, erratic, or absent pulse can also indicate that an overdose may be happening.

Very small pupils

During an overdose, a person’s pupils can contract and become very small (or “pinpoint”) as a result of the nervous system’s response to opioids. Abnormal eye movements and drooping eyelids may also occur when a person is experiencing an opioid overdose.

Response to an opioid overdose

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a person who is experiencing an opioid overdose and a person who is simply feeling the effects of a high dose of opioids. If in doubt, it is best to treat the situation like an overdose. Reacting and getting help quickly can save the life of someone who is having an opioid overdose.

In the event of a suspected opioid overdose, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency helpline immediately. Naloxone — a medication that can temporarily reverse an overdose — should be administered immediately if it is available. Naloxone can be given to the person experiencing the overdose while you await professional help.

An opioid overdose is a serious emergency and it is important to always call for professional help. Naloxone can wear off before a person has completely recovered from an overdose. They may require another dose of naloxone or further medical attention to address the overdose. Always follow the instructions in the naloxone kit and from the 9-1-1 or emergency helpline operator.

Why you should use Masimo SafetyNet Alert

In a normal breathing cycle, a person breathes in air, and the oxygen from that air moves to the blood. Carbon dioxide (a waste product) travels from the blood to the lungs and is expelled from the body during exhalation. This process, known as gas exchange, is hindered during respiratory depression (also known as hypoventilation).

In respiratory depression, the body isn’t able to remove an adequate amount of carbon dioxide. This may result in ineffective use of oxygen by the lungs, which can lead to slow, shallow breathing. People who take high doses of opioids or use opioids with other substances that suppress respiratory function (such as certain sleeping pills) are at higher risk of respiratory depression. Beginning to use opioids again after stopping for a period of time, a history of addiction or opioid use disorder, and being opioid naïve are also risk factors for respiratory depression.

Masimo SafetyNet Alert is a wireless wearable device that continuously monitors physiological data through a fingertip sensor, automatically alerting the user and their chosen emergency contacts when a dangerous drop in blood oxygen levels occurs. Powered by clinically proven Masimo SET® pulse oximetry, Masimo SafetyNet Alert features multiple parallel signal processing engines for accurate and reliable readings. Users can view and share information about their oxygen saturation levels, pulse rate, respiration rate, and more in the Masimo SafetyNet App.

Individuals who take opioids are at higher risk for slowed or stopped breathing, particularly during sleep. Those with health conditions that affect respiratory function (such as sleep apnea) can also be prone to serious oxygen desaturation events. Masimo SafetyNet Alert can provide peace of mind with its comprehensive monitoring and alert system, helping patients to avoid critical health incidents before they happen.

Anyone who is taking opioids can have an overdose. Overdoses that do not lead to death are several times more common than fatal overdoses, and overdose deaths are preventable with immediate medical attention. Recognizing the signs and responding quickly can save the life of a person who is experiencing an opioid overdose. Always call for professional help if you suspect an overdose is occurring.