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Warning-sign checks

Morphine 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 your local emergency number now if someone may have taken too much morphine and is difficult to wake, breathing slowly, making choking or gurgling sounds, turning blue or grey, having a seizure, or not breathing normally.

    Give naloxone if available and begin emergency first aid as directed.

    Emergency help is still needed if the person wakes after naloxone.

    The overdose can return when naloxone wears off.

    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

    Seek prompt medical advice after a recent overdose if there is worsening cough, fever, breathlessness, confusion, unusual weakness, reduced urination, or severe muscle pain.

    These may be signs of lung, muscle, kidney, or low-oxygen complications.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after discharge to review pain treatment, medication safety, naloxone access, and any ongoing physical or emotional effects.

    A suspected intentional overdose also needs timely mental health support.

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

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