Overdose: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Treat a suspected overdose as an emergency.

   Call your local emergency number immediately if someone:

   • Cannot be woken or has collapsed
   • Is breathing slowly, irregularly, or not at all
   • Has blue, grey, or very pale lips or skin
   • Has a seizure, severe confusion, chest pain, or extreme agitation
   • May have taken an overdose intentionally
   • Has swallowed an unknown chemical or dangerous substance

   Use naloxone if opioid overdose is possible, but do not delay the emergency call.

   Begin CPR or rescue breathing if instructed and if you are able.

   Elsewhere, use your local poison service or emergency number.

   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

   For a possible dosing mistake without symptoms, contact a poison information service promptly.

   Do not wait to see what happens, because some effects are delayed.

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

   After hospital treatment, seek urgent reassessment for increasing sleepiness, trouble breathing, repeated vomiting, fainting, seizures, chest pain, yellow skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, or worsening confusion.

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

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate for medication review, repeat laboratory tests, mental health support, or treatment for substance use after the immediate danger has passed.

   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 Overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.