Overdose is a situation that occurs when an excessive dose of a drug, drug, or substance is used, either by inhalation, ingestion, or direct injection into the bloodstream.
In most cases, overdose occurs with opioid use, as in the case of morphine and heroin, and for this reason, symptoms that occur are more related to respiratory problems; However, there are other types of medications that can also cause an overdose and generate other types of symptoms, depending on the type of medication.
- Regardless of the symptoms.
- Whenever an unconscious person shows signs of drug use or certain types of medication.
- It is very important to seek medical assistance at the local emergency number or at the hospital to identify the type of medication and begin the most prepared treatment.
Depressive drugs are those that disrupt nervous system activity, so they are used to achieve a state of relaxation.
The main types of depressive drugs are opioids, including illicit drugs such as heroin, however, painkillers such as codeine, oxycodone, fentanyl and morphine, for example, also considered in this category, in addition to antiepileptics and sleeping pills.
When this type of medication is used, an overdose may be accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:
Even if the overdose is identified in time to seek medical help, overuse of these medications and falling into an overdose state can cause permanent brain damage.
For opioids, some people who constantly consume this type of substance may have an “overdose kit,” which consists of a pen containing naloxone. It is a drug that suppresses the effects of opioids on the brain and can save the life of an overdose victim when used quickly.
Unlike depressive drugs, stimulants are responsible for increasing the functioning of the nervous system, causing stimulation and arousal, this type of support is mainly used by adolescents and young adults to achieve effects such as increased energy levels, attention span, self-esteem and recognition. . Examples of cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, LSD or ecstasy, for example.
Signs and symptoms that occur in case of overdose of this type of medicine are:
In addition, it is important to remember that using various medications in addition to time and not maintaining a balanced and healthy diet increases the risk of overdose and changes.
Even most free medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are relatively safe to use under constant “medical control,” which can also cause an overdose. In this way, it is very important to have fewer medical advice before the doses to be used, especially in the case of children.
One of the most common cases is acetaminophen overdose, which usually occurs in people trying to kill themselves, this type of medicine causes severe liver damage when used at doses higher than indicated, and therefore the most common symptoms include:
Depending on the dose used during overdose, it may take 2 to 3 days for symptoms to appear, however liver lesions develop as a result of ingestion of the drug, so when a higher dose is accidentally ingested it should be referred to the hospital. , even in the absence of symptoms.
In case of overdose, especially when the victim shows signs that if he is going to faint, he loses consciousness, he should:
Also, if it is possible to take the unpleasant medication that caused the overdose in the emergency department, so that the doctor can guide the medical treatment according to the cause of the problem.
If the person stops breathing, the cardiac massage should be started immediately to maintain blood circulation and increase the person’s chances of healing. Get to know step by step for a proper cardiac massage.
The best way to prevent an overdose is to avoid the use of drugs, including those allowed, such as alcohol, cigarettes and medications, and take the medication on a prescription.
However, in case of irregular use of the medicine, you should be careful that interruptions in its use may decrease the tolerance of the medicine, although it is easier to exaggerate with small portions of the product.
Also, you should never try to use drugs unaccompanied, because in an emergency, such as an overdose, you should seek help by calling the emergency services.