Drug abuse first aid

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Overdose from drugs

Drug overdose symptoms vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:

• Abnormal pupil size
  • Dilated pupils (enlarged)
  • Pinpoint pupils (very small)
  • Nonreactive pupils (pupils do not change size when exposed to light)
• Sweating
• Agitation
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Staggering or unsteady gait ( ataxia )
• Difficulty breathing
  • Shallow, decreased breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Labored breathing
  • Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Drowsiness
• Unconsciousness ( coma )
• Hallucinations
• Delusional or paranoid behavior
• Violent or aggressive behavior
• Death

Drug withdrawal symptoms also vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Agitation
• Cold sweat
• Convulsions
• Delusions
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Hallucinations
• Nausea and vomiting
• Restlessness
• Shaking
• Death

Review Date: 11/04/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.