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Warning-sign checks

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if someone may have taken an overdose and has slow or abnormal breathing, cannot be woken, has collapsed, is having a seizure, or has blue or grey lips or skin.

    Give naloxone if it is available.

    Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions for rescue breathing or CPR.

    Contact a poison centre or emergency service immediately after any suspected excess dose, even if there are no symptoms.

    Keep the medicine container or a photograph of its label available.

    Do not delay the call while trying to count missing tablets.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    After discharge, seek urgent medical advice for worsening vomiting, right-sided upper abdominal pain, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, increasing sleepiness, confusion, or unusual bleeding.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate when the person is stable and following the hospital’s discharge plan.

    It is used to repeat blood tests, review medicines, and address pain, substance use, or mental health needs.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side if this can be done safely.

Stay with them.

Do not give food or drink, put them in a bath or shower, or try to make them vomit.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hydrocodone and acetaminophen overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.