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Warning-sign checks

Multiple vitamin 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

    Elsewhere, contact the local poison centre or emergency medical service.

    Have the container, ingredient list, tablet strength, estimated amount, and time of exposure available.

    Call emergency services now if the person has:

    • Trouble breathing
    • Collapsed or cannot be awakened
    • A seizure
    • Severe confusion
    • Repeated or bloody vomiting
    • Bloody or black stool
    • Severe abdominal pain
    • Fainting or signs of poor circulation
    • A very fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

    Do not give food, drink, charcoal, or another medicine unless a poison specialist or emergency professional advises it.

    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

    Contact a poison centre promptly if someone may have taken more than the recommended amount.

    This is especially important for a child, a pregnant person, an unknown amount, or a product containing iron.

    Seek more urgent help if these symptoms become severe or are accompanied by confusion, fainting, or heart symptoms.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For gradual symptoms linked to long-term supplement use, arrange routine medical care.

    Examples include ongoing thirst, frequent urination, constipation, headaches, skin changes, numbness, balance difficulty, or unexplained weakness.

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

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

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