What is a narcotics overdose?
Narcotics overdose is a potential danger for anyone who is taking these drugs for recreational or legitimate purposes. When too much of a narcotic such as a prescription painkiller or similar drug is taken there is an extreme risk of overdose and subsequent complications occurring which could lead to death. The...
What is a narcotic drug?
Narcotics, also known as opioids, are drugs that include prescription pain relievers as well as illicit street drugs. Narcotic painkillers such as OxyContin and Vicodin are used to treat moderate to severe pain.
When should you call 911 for a narcotics overdose?
If you see someone exhibiting signs of a narcotics overdose, call 911 immediately. The most widely misused opioid drugs include: 4 Some of these opioids are highly potent and misusing them can create life-threatening side effects.
Can narcotics overdose be prevented?
The best way to prevent narcotics overdose is to seek treatment now. Call (800) 407-7195 to get started.
What are the risks of overdose on narcotics?
There are many risks associated with an overdose on narcotics. People who take too many narcotics are at risk of death in the worst case scenario. Depending on the type of narcotic being used, the risks may be greater for some than for others. For instance, some narcotics have a wider potential for abuse than others and can cause more damage than others. Heroin is highly dangerous and the risks of overdose are extreme simply because there is no regulation on the use of this drug or the manufacturing of the drug so you never know what you are going to get.
How to prevent narcotics overdose?
The best way to prevent narcotics overdose is to seek treatment now. Call (800) 407-7195 ( Who Answers?) to get started.
Why do people use narcotics?
You use narcotics for reasons that you shouldn’t such as to get high. You use narcotics for reasons other than what they are prescribed. You take more drugs than you are supposed to or than were prescribed to you. You have a condition that makes you prone to overdose such as dual-diagnosis.
What to do if you suspect a drug overdose?
The most important thing that you can do if you suspect that a drug overdose is occurring is to call 911. Many states now have programs in effect that prevent those who call for help from being under any danger of criminal prosecution for calling to get help.
Is it dangerous to overdose on narcotics?
Narcotics overdose is a potential danger for anyone who is taking these drugs for recreational or legitimate purposes. When too much of a narcotic such as a prescription painkiller or similar drug is taken there is an extreme risk of overdose and subsequent complications occurring which could lead to death. The worst narcotics overdoses come as ...
Can you take narcotics with other drugs?
You have a mental illness and use narcotics to self-medicate. You take narcotics while under the influence of alcohol. You have a condition that makes you prone to overdose such as dual-diagnosis. You use narcotics regularly.
Is heroin dangerous?
For instance, some narcotics have a wider potential for abuse than others and can cause more damage than others. Heroin is highly dangerous and the risks of overdose are extreme simply because there is no regulation on the use of this drug or the manufacturing of the drug so you never know what you are going to get.
What is respiratory depression?
Respiratory depression. A young adult is brought into the emergency department by his mother. After completing a rapid assessment, you determine the patient is in cardiac arrest related to an opioid overdose. While the team initiates CPR, you prepare to administer naloxone.
What are the signs of an opioid overdose?
Other indicators of opioid overdose include. Cyanosis (Track marks from intravenous drug use) Prescription pill bottles, pipes, needles, syringes, pill powder or other drug- related items. History of opioid drug abuse.
Does Liz need chest compressions?
Liz is in respiratory arrest, so you and the team should immediately deliver ventilations. Liz does not need chest compressions since she is not in cardiac arrest. Administration of naloxone is important, but remember delivering ventilations is the priority over administering naloxone during respiratory arrest.
When caring for an unresponsive patient with a toxicologic emergency, should you:?
When caring for an unresponsive patient with a toxicologic emergency, you should: protect the airway, perform a rapid assessment, obtain vital signs, try to gather a medical history from the family, and transport promptly. When chlorine gas comes in contact with the body's mucous membranes, it forms: hydrochloric acid.
What are the symptoms of a tricyclic overdose?
Common signs and symptoms of a tricyclic antidepressant overdose include: altered mental status and tachycardia. Crack is a combination of: cocaine, baking soda, and water. Cyanide blocks the utilization of oxygen at the cellular level by: combining with cytochrome oxidase.
What does it mean when a woman drives her husband to the EMS station?
A woman drives her husband to your EMS station after he was exposed to a large amount of pesticide. Your assessment reveals that he is responsive to pain only, is hypoventilating, is markedly bradycardic, and is incontinent of urine and feces. The cardiac monitor reveals marked sinus bradycardia.
Can you inject Valium with heroin?
using cocaine in combination with heroin, by injecting them either underneath the skin or directly into a vein, in order to regulate the high. A therapeutic dose of Valium simply relaxes one person, but causes severe central nervous system depression in another patient. This is an example of: an idiosyncrasy.
How to tell if someone is overdosed on opioids?
Try to wake up the person by speaking loudly or rubbing the breastbone with knuckles. A person experiencing opioid overdose often shows the following signs: 1 Unconsciousness, or inability to wake up 2 Limp body 3 Falling asleep, extreme drowsiness 4 Slow, shallow, irregular or no breathing 5 Pale, blue, cold and/or clammy skin 6 Choking, snoring or gurgling sounds 7 Slow or no heart beat 8 Very small or “pinpoint” pupils
How long does it take for naloxone to reverse?
Note that it may take 5 minutes or more for signs of overdose to reverse.
What to do if your breathing stops?
If breathing stops at any time, begin rescue breathing or CPR, if trained to do so. 6. Monitor. Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of the opioid, including sedation. Monitor the person suspected of overdose for any changes in condition. Serious side effects from naloxone, including allergic reaction, are very uncommon.
What are the symptoms of opioid overdose?
Unconsciousness, or inability to wake up. Limp body. Falling asleep, extreme drowsiness. Slow, shallow, irregular or no breathing. Pale, blue, cold and/or clammy skin. Choking, snoring or gurgling sounds. Slow or no heart beat. Very small or “pinpoint” pupils. Recognizing an opioid overdose may be difficult.
What to do if you overdose on naloxone?
Call 911 if an overdose is suspected. Even if the patient wakes up or seems better after one or two doses of naloxone, emergency medical assistance is still necessary. A medical professional should evaluate anyone who has experienced an overdose as soon as possible.
What to do if you see drug residues?
Do not enter any area that appears unsafe for any reason. If you see drug powders or residues, do not risk exposure. Wait for professional emergency responders. Avoid contact with drug containers, needles and other paraphernalia.
Is naloxone temporary?
Naloxone effects are temporary. Immediate medical attention is necessary. Calling 911 is always the first course of action [BC 2017]. A person with an overdose who is revived by naloxone can become unconscious or stop breathing again. 5. Start other first aid interventions if trained to do so.
