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Warning-sign checks

Pokeweed poisoning: 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 immediately if the person:

    • Has trouble breathing
    • Collapses, faints, or cannot be awakened normally
    • Has a seizure
    • Develops severe confusion
    • Has chest pain or a markedly irregular heartbeat

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • 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 unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • 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 whenever pokeweed may have been swallowed, even if there are no symptoms yet.

    In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 .

    Elsewhere, use your local poison information service.

    Seek urgent same-day medical care for repeated vomiting, frequent diarrhea, worsening stomach pain, marked weakness, reduced urination, or difficulty keeping fluids down.

    Children, older adults, and people with kidney or heart problems may become dehydrated more quickly.

The article also says

Have the following information ready if possible:

The person’s age and approximate weight

The plant part involved

Whether it was raw, cooked, dried, or made into a drink

The possible amount and time of exposure

Current symptoms

A photograph or description of the plant

Do not drive someone who is fainting, confused, having a seizure, or struggling to breathe.

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