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Warning-sign checks

Hydroxyzine 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 the person:

    • Cannot be awakened or is responding abnormally
    • Has slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
    • Has a seizure
    • Faints, collapses, or cannot stand safely
    • Has a very fast or irregular heartbeat
    • Took hydroxyzine in an intentional self-harm attempt

    An overdose is a medical emergency even if the person later says they feel fine.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after emergency assessment when the treating service recommends review of medication safety, ECG findings, injuries, or mental health needs.

    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

    Do not wait for a routine appointment or for symptoms to develop.

    Worsening drowsiness, fainting, breathing trouble, seizures, or palpitations are not routine follow-up concerns; they need urgent reassessment.

  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

The article also says

Get immediate poison advice for any suspected hydroxyzine overdose , even if there are no symptoms yet.

In the United States, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 .

If the ingestion was intentional, do not leave the person alone while help is being arranged.

Remove remaining medicines only if this can be done safely.

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