An overdose is when you take a toxic or poisonous amount of a drug or medicine by mistake or intentionally. In simple terms, drug overdose is when an individual takes more than the medically recommended dose of a prescription or over-the-counter drug. And some people may be more sensitive to certain medications so that the high end of the therapeutic range of a drug may be toxic for them.
Not all overdoses are fatal or life-threatening, however, medical advice should always be sought if overdose is suspected or has occurred as symptoms of an overdose can occur rapidly, but sometimes people can experience a delay in symptoms.
Substances that people can overdose on include some herbal remedies, alcohol, prescription medications, over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications and other illicit drugs
A wide range of signs and symptoms can occur when a person overdoses and everyone responds differently, though signs and symptoms depend on a variety of factors like which substance they took, how much they took, strength of the drug, how they took it, state of health or age.
Symptoms of a drug overdose (including alcohol poisoning) may include nausea and vomiting, severe stomach pain and abdominal cramps, diarrhea, chest pain, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination, being unresponsive while awake, limp body, seizures, drowsiness and confusion, slow or erratic pulse, agitation, difficulty in breathing, hallucination, visual disturbances or choking or gurgling sounds and loss of consciousness among others.
If you think someone has taken an overdose, try your best to stay calm and make arrangements for them to be taken to the hospital, call an emergency line, if it is available. If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them gently on their side in the recovery position. Ensure their airway remains open by tilting the head back and lifting the chin; this can help them to breathe and stop them from choking if they vomit.
Then, check breathing and monitor their condition until help arrives, don’t try to make the person vomit or give them anything to eat or drink. Keep any pill containers to take to the hospital.
If you think someone may have taken an overdose but they are not showing any symptoms and seem okay, get medical advice immediately because an overdose can still be an emergency, even if the person seems okay at first.
Some ways to help prevent an overdose include: Do not keep medications you no longer need, keep all medicines, alcohol, drugs and poisons locked away in a safe secure place and out of reach of children, be careful when taking different substances (including alcohol) at the same time because they can interact negatively and increase your risk of overdose, always read medication labels carefully and keep all medications in their original packaging.
Most common cause of accidental overdose is through paracetamol which is a common form of pain management and is also used to reduce fever. It is usually bought over the counter without a prescription.
It is one of the most common medicines taken by young children in an accidental overdose and also commonly taken by people who intend to harm themselves. There is only a small difference between the maximum daily dose of paracetamol and an overdose, which can cause liver damage.
Large amounts of paracetamol are very dangerous, but the effects often don’t show until about two to three days after taking the tablets. Treatment must start early to be effective before the effects begin. Always seek treatment for paracetamol overdose immediately, even if the person seems well.
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