Drug Overdose (Over-the-Counter, Prescription, & Illicit Drugs)
Drug overdose is a serious emergency that occurs when a person faces issues after taking a large amount of a substance. It includes over-the-counter medicines, overdose, and illicit drugs. It doesn’t matter if a person has consumed it intentionally or by mistake, but this can cause a serious condition, resulting in death.
Sometimes, the prescription medications, such as stimulants, opioids, and others, can lead to drug overdose, as they involve chemicals that pose a higher risk of causing harm to the body. On top of that, illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl are the most lethal substances and can lead to death. As cases of overdose continue to grow, it becomes essential to be knowledgeable about all of the specifics of drug overdose, including symptoms, causes, aids, and others.
Symptoms Of Overdose
Knowing the symptoms of overdose is crucial, as they can lead to medical emergencies. Signs vary based on the substances and their reaction speed. Some of the common symptoms are:
Moreover, some people might fall into a coma due to dysfunction of the brain. CDC says that in the United States, 107,941 people died from drug overdoses in 2022, averaging 296 deaths each day [1].
Are Over-the-Counter Drugs Ever Abused?
Yes, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can be abused. Although it may be easily accessible, it can be harmful. Some people misuse substances like cough syrups and pain relievers, leading to addiction.
These drugs relax the body and aid in sleep, so sometimes people take them in large amounts, which creates a problem. It is also harmful when combined with other substances. For example, abusing cough medicine with dextromethorphan can cause hallucinations and heart problems.
Furthermore, excessive use of pain relievers such as acetaminophen can harm the liver. A significant overdose can leave an individual breathless and dead if immediate treatment is not received [2]. Over-the-counter medications should be taken according to their intended use, and individuals should be alert for possible OTC drug abuse or dependence.
Can You Overdose on Over-the-Counter Drugs?
Many people believe that over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are completely safe just because they’re sold without a prescription. But that’s a common misunderstanding. While these medications help with everyday health issues, they can still be dangerous if misused. Certain OTC drugs like cough syrups or sleep aids are often abused, especially among teens, and can lead to serious side effects.
Non-recreational use of drugs can also be harmful when drugs are misused. A significant overdose may cause respiratory distress or death in the absence of timely intervention. To prevent their misuse, the FDA has proposed prohibiting the approval of nonprescription drugs that possess an Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use (ACNU) unless all safety requirements are fulfilled [3].
Potentially Dangerous Over-the-Counter Drugs
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Acetaminophen
The medication acetaminophen is primarily used for pain relief in the body. They come in tablet form and must be consumed orally. Taking the drug continuously and in large amounts can cause liver damage. The symptoms of Acetaminophen Poisoning can include nausea, yellowing of the skin and eyes, pale skin, blue discoloration of the lips, vomiting, and others.
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NSAIDs (e.g., Aspirin)
NSAIDs are the drugs that are prescribed as painkillers. Some of the tablets, as an NSAID, are Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Taking these medicines in excessive amounts can cause many risky conditions. They can cause stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney damage, and increased heart risk. Furthermore, NSAID side effects are mostly seen when consumed on an empty stomach or in combination with alcohol. They should be used with caution, especially by older adults or individuals with heart or kidney disease.
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Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl)
Diphenhydramine is primarily used to help with sleep issues. However, overdosing can lead to side effects like confusion and hallucinations, as well as serious risks like heart failure and high blood pressure. It is sometimes abused by teens and young adults for its sedative effects.
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Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is a medication primarily used to treat coughs and cold symptoms. It should be taken correctly and at the recommended dosage. Overdoing this medicine can cause you to lose your sense of thinking and make you sleepy. It is said to avoid driving and handling heavy machinery while consuming this drug.
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Laxatives
Laxatives are the drugs which is used to relieve constipation. It should not be used frequently, as doing so can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and permanent damage to the bowels. Many people misuse this for weight control, leading to significant health complications.
First Aid for Drug Overdose
If you are in the U.S. and facing a drug overdose issue, you can seek help by calling 911 or reaching out to poison control at 1-800-222-1222.
If you find someone who may be overdosing, stay with the individual and ensure that you call an ambulance or a doctor. Ensure the person is breathing properly and is in an open area.
Here are some important steps to take:
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If the person is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position by rolling them onto their side in case they vomit.
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Gather any pill bottles, drug packaging, or substances to provide to first responders for information purposes.
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Remain as calm as possible and follow the instructions given by 911 or poison control.
Consider taking First Aid and Naloxone training to effectively respond during an overdose crisis. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can save lives when administered promptly. Did you know that in 2023, retail pharmacies in the U.S. dispensed over 2.1 million naloxone prescriptions? [5].
Paracetamol Overdose
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medication primarily prescribed to relieve pain and reduce fever in the body. But it can be dangerous if taken in large amounts or repeatedly. It can damage the liver and other internal organs, causing death.
The symptoms of overdose of paracetamol are prevalent, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and others. Many people face liver damage when they consume both paracetamol and alcohol at the same time, due to the life-threatening risks of this medication. The FDA has taken action to enhance consumer safety. This includes the limitation on the amount of the drug [6]. So, it is essential to read dosing instructions carefully and avoid taking multiple medicines that contain paracetamol to prevent accidental overdose.
Treatment For Drug Overdose
Treatment for drug overdose varies based on the drug involved, the dose taken, and how fast help is provided. The main goal is to stabilize the person and prevent further harm.
Common treatment steps include:
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Supporting breathing and heart function
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Giving activated charcoal to reduce drug absorption (if appropriate)
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Using antidotes like naloxone for opioid overdose
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Providing IV fluids and oxygen to support vital functions
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Monitoring vital signs continuously in a hospital setting
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Placing the person on a ventilator if breathing is severely affected
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Offering mental health support in cases of intentional overdose
Prompt medical attention is crucial for improving survival chances and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
Self-Care After Treatment with Activated Charcoal
If you were given activated charcoal in the hospital, it would pass through your system and be eliminated with your next bowel movement, typically within one to two days. Aftercare is important to ensure proper recovery and avoid complications.
Here are some helpful self-care tips:
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Follow the instructions that your doctor suggests.
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Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other liquids.
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Prevent easy junk and heavy meals.
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Report any symptoms to your doctor.
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Report any issues to your doctor after taking charcoal treatment.
Why Might an Overdose Happen?
An overdose occurs when a person consumes a large amount of a drug, overwhelming the body’s ability to cope with its effects.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that overdoses often happen when someone seeks relief from pain and takes high doses or mixes drugs like opioids and alcohol. These combinations can be fatal, leading to severe bodily reactions, including bleeding or sudden death.
Many people are unaware they are taking excessive amounts, especially when drugs are stronger than anticipated or mixed with fentanyl. Additionally, an overdose can accidentally occur when someone resumes drug use after a break, taking the same dose as before without realizing their tolerance has decreased. This can impair vital functions, resulting in slowed breathing, unconsciousness, or death.
Overdose Risk Factors
An overdose can happen to anyone, and it is a serious condition that involves various factors to consider. Here are some key points to recognize:
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Mixing drugs and medications with alcohol and other dangerous substances.
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Using drugs without informing anyone or doing so alone.
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Having a chronic health condition, such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
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Experiencing depression.
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Operating heavy machinery or driving while under the influence.
It’s important to be aware of these risks to help prevent overdoses.
Preventing Overdose
Preventing overdose means making sure not to exceed the limits of the medicine prescribed. This means taking only the medication and drugs after consulting with your doctor. Avoid combining medicines or drugs with any substances or alcohol, as this can cause many side effects.
Make sure not to take too many medicines when you are alone at your home, as if any overdose symptoms occur, no one will be there to handle you or save you. Carry naloxone if you or someone you know uses opioids; it will reverse the overdose. If you haven’t used drugs in a while, your body may not take the same amount.
Safer Use
Safer use means making smart and fast choices regarding overdosing with medicines or drugs. One should take only the amount of medicine prescribed by the doctor. Also, do not combine the medicine or drug with any substances, as this can cause a deadly combination, making the condition worse.
FAQs
1. What are the 5 signs of an overdose?
The five signs of overdose are heavy breathing problems, blue patches on the lips, vomiting, unconsciousness, and difficulty walking.
2. I’ve overdosed. What do I do?
If you have overdosed, call the emergency number, 911. Also, be awake and inform someone close to you. If you can walk, rush to the nearby hospital or clinic.
3. I’ve taken too many pills, now what?
If you have taken too many pills, make sure to call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Also, if you can walk and talk, inform your loved ones and rush to the hospital.
4. What is the overdose emergency drug?
Naloxone, or Narcan, is the two-emergency treatment drug for overdose. It acts quickly, helps the person to breathe again, and can be administered in spray form.
5. What are the red flags for overdose?
Some of the red flags for overdose include not talking, mouth or nose bleeding, problems in breathing, blue lips or fingers, and others.
6. What do you give someone who is overdosing?
If anyone overdoses, then call 911 as an emergency number. Try to keep the person awake and lying on their side. Stay with them until emergency help arrives.
Worried About Drug Misuse or Overdose? Alliance Recovery Is Here to Help
Overdoses can occur with pain medication, cough syrup, or prescription drugs. If you or a loved one is struggling, Alliance Recovery provides support in a non-judgmental environment.
What we offer:
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Personalized overdose education
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Individual or group therapy
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Long-term strategies for safe medication use
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Connections with those who understand
Call Alliance Recovery at (844) 287-8506. One call can lead to a safer, healthier future.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/prevention/index.html
[2] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007287.htm
[3] https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/06/28/2022-13309/nonprescription-drug-product-with-an-additional-condition-for-nonprescription-use
[4] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000016.htm
[5] https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/data-research/facts-stats/naloxone-dispensing-rate-maps.html
[6] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/acetaminophen
[7] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
