Hydrocodone/oxycodone overdose: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services now if someone who may have taken hydrocodone or oxycodone:

   • Cannot be woken
   • Is breathing slowly, irregularly, or not at all
   • Has blue, gray, or unusually pale lips or skin
   • Makes choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds while unresponsive
   • Collapses, has a seizure, or becomes severely confused

   Elsewhere, use your local poison centre or emergency service.

   Routine follow-up is appropriate after emergency treatment to review pain medicines, substance use, mental health, safe storage, and access to naloxone.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Give naloxone immediately if available.

   Call even if the person wakes up, says they feel better, or refuses help, because breathing problems can return.

   If someone has taken more than intended but has no symptoms, contact a poison information service immediately rather than waiting for symptoms.

   In the United States, Poison Control is available at 1-800-222-1222.

   New sleepiness, breathing changes, repeated vomiting, worsening abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin after discharge needs urgent reassessment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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