How will I know if someone is having an overdose?

Signs and symptoms of an opioid eoverdose mergency may include:

• breathing problems like slow, shallow or absent breathing

• unusual sleepiness in the person who has overdosed; they may be difficult to awaken.

• unable to wake up the person with a loud voice or by rubbing firmly on the middle of their chest

• slurred speech

• clammy skin

• blue lips, gums or fingertips

• stupor (nearly unconscious and insensible)

• “pinpoint pupils” (pupils in the eye appear very small). The pupils are the black circle in the center of the eye.

• low blood pressure, slow heart rate.

The most dangerous and often fatal side effect of an opioid overdose is slowed or stopped breathing (respiratory depression). This risk is multiplied when the narcotic is combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants like sedatives.