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Warning-sign checks

Pentobarbital 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

    Suspected pentobarbital overdose always needs emergency help.

    Call your local emergency number or poison information service immediately.

    Call emergency services now if a person:

    • Cannot be awakened or is becoming less responsive
    • Has slow, shallow, irregular, or stopped breathing
    • Has blue, grey, or very pale lips or skin
    • Collapses, has a seizure, or has no normal pulse
    • May have taken pentobarbital intentionally
    • Took pentobarbital with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives

    If the person is not breathing normally, begin CPR if you know how and follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.

    Use an automated external defibrillator if one is available.

    Do not let them “sleep it off.” Bring the container or label for emergency staff if it is safe and easy to retrieve.

    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 severe symptoms or try to manage the exposure at home.

    New shortness of breath, worsening confusion, fainting, or difficulty waking remains urgent.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after hospital discharge for ongoing tiredness, breathing symptoms, injuries, or medication concerns.

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side if it is safe to do so.

This may help keep the airway open and reduce choking if they vomit.

Stay with them and keep checking their breathing.

Do not make the person vomit.

Do not give food, drink, coffee, or a cold shower.

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