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Warning-sign checks

Phencyclidine 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 PCP overdose is suspected.

    Do not drive the affected person yourself if they are severely confused, violent, having a seizure, unconscious, or breathing abnormally.

    Emergency signs include:

    • Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or blue or grey lips
    • A seizure
    • Collapse, unconsciousness, or inability to wake
    • Severe agitation that cannot be safely managed
    • Very hot skin, heavy sweating, or marked muscle rigidity
    • Chest pain or a very fast or irregular heartbeat
    • Sudden weakness, severe headache, or other possible stroke symptoms
    • A serious injury, especially to the head

    If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR if you know how and follow emergency-dispatch instructions.

    New breathing difficulty, seizures, collapse, severe agitation, or rapidly worsening symptoms remain emergencies.

    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

    For an exposure without severe symptoms, contact your local poison centre immediately for case-specific advice.

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

    Do not wait for symptoms before calling.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After discharge, arrange routine follow-up for continuing confusion, sleep problems, low mood, hallucinations, muscle pain, dark urine, reduced urination, or concerns about drug use.

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

Move away from weapons, traffic, water, heights, and other hazards.

Keep the area as quiet as possible, and do not argue about hallucinations.

Do not try to physically overpower the person unless immediate safety requires it.

If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side if this can be done safely.

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