Opioid overdose signs can be difficult to notice because symptoms can be well hidden to those not looking. In this article, we will discuss ways to spot these opioid overdose signs to help those before it becomes too fatal.
How Can You Spot Opioid Overdose Signs?
Opioids are a class of drugs manufactured from opiate alkaloid precursors derived from the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. These drugs, usually prescribed for acute pain management, include OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin among many more. Extended use can cause many types of side effects and symptoms. It is important to watch out for the following symptoms especially in those suffering from opioid dependence.
It is important to watch out for the following symptoms especially in those suffering from opioid dependence. They include:
· Nausea and vomiting
· Pupillary constriction
· Difficulty in breathing
· Reduced consciousness
· Confusion and delirium
· Respiratory arrest
· Cold and clammy extremities
To read about the known signs of opioid addiction, visit here.
How Does an Opioid Overdose Occur?
While all these drugs have legitimate medical uses, some people usually seek out these pills and use them for recreational purposes resulting in abuse and eventual overdose. Usually, some of these drugs such as Vicodin are prescribed post-surgery minimize pain during recovery. Some people end up using the medications for prolonged periods of time resulting in a dependency.
Once one takes an opioid, the drugs usually bind to opioid receptors which are widely distributed throughout the body. Some of these receptors located in the CNS modulate the effects of opioids on the respiratory center resulting in hypercarbia which refers to high levels of carbon IV oxide in blood and hypoxemia.
Other receptors mediate pupillary constriction while others increase gut motility. Aside from just opioid overdose, drug combinations such as Vicodin usually result in Acetaminophen overdose as well. These effects are fatal and can easily cause death.
How Can We Manage an Opioid Overdose?
If you suspect that one has an opioid overdose, it is vital that you seek medical help immediately by calling 911. As you await the arrival of emergency medical services, you should roll the person over on their side to prevent them from chocking if they are unconscious. If they are awake, it is important that you keep them talking. Once the emergency medical team arrives, they will:
· Ensure that the airway is not obstructed and will intubate to support the persons breathing.
· Establish an intravenous line for the administration of IV fluids.
· Administer activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of any ingested pills.
· Treat any cardiac arrest.
· Administer Naloxone.
· Administer acetylcysteine (in case of Vicodin due to acetaminophen toxicity).
Common Opioids Abused That Leads to Addiction
Vicodin is one of the most commonly prescribed painkillers. It is a synthetic opioid consisting of a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. OxyContin, on the other hand, is a sustained release oxycodone-based painkiller.
Due to their depressive effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS), these drugs are highly addictive when abused. Their effects on the respiratory system and the peripheral nervous system can result in a fatal overdose. Opioid overdose is increasingly becoming a major health problem in the United States.
The number of opioid overdose-related deaths has been on the rise since 2000, hitting an estimated 18,000 deaths in 2015. It is therefore of great importance that issues of opioid addiction and dependence are addressed early enough to avoid incidences of overdose.
How to Prevent Opioid Abuse
To prevent overdosing from opioids, try the following:
· Avoid mixing opioid medications with alcohol
· Know your tolerance levels
· Always keep a Naloxone kit with you