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Warning-sign checks

Secobarbital 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 for any suspected secobarbital overdose, even if the person is awake or says they feel well.

    Also get emergency help if someone who may have taken secobarbital:

    • Cannot be awakened or is becoming less responsive
    • Has slow, shallow, irregular, noisy, or stopped breathing
    • Has blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Collapses, has a seizure, or cannot stand safely
    • Has taken alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives as well
    • May have taken the drug to harm themselves

    In the United States, call 911 for severe symptoms and Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate poisoning guidance.

    In other countries, call the local emergency service or poison centre.

    If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR if you are able and follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after emergency treatment for ongoing fatigue, mood symptoms, dependence, sleep concerns, or complications identified in hospital.

    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

    New breathing difficulty, worsening confusion, fainting, or inability to stay awake remains urgent.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

While waiting for help, stay with the person.

If they are unconscious but breathing, place them on their side if you can do so safely.

Do not make the person vomit.

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

Do not let them “sleep it off,” and do not have them drive to hospital.

Bring the medicine container and information about other substances if this can be done safely.

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