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Warning-sign checks

Thioridazine 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 thioridazine overdose is known or suspected.

    Emergency warning signs include:

    • Fainting, collapse, or inability to wake
    • A fast or irregular heartbeat
    • A seizure
    • Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
    • Severe confusion or agitation
    • Chest discomfort or marked dizziness
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin

    If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR if you know how and follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions.

    Call emergency services instead if symptoms are present or the exposure was intentional.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after emergency care if the person remains stable but needs medication review, repeat heart testing, or mental health support.

    New fainting, palpitations, seizures, severe drowsiness, or breathing trouble remains an emergency.

    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 symptoms, and do not drive an unwell person to hospital yourself.

    For a possible extra dose without symptoms, contact a poison centre immediately for case-specific advice.

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

    Elsewhere, use your local poison information service.

  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

If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side if you can do so safely.

Do not make the person vomit.

Do not give food, drink, or home remedies unless a poison specialist tells you to.

Bring the medicine container and information about any other substances to the hospital.

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