It has been seen that drug overdoses have increased the rate of deaths either accidentally or intentionally. Poisoning is another category which has been a great cause for accidental overdoses by prescription drugs, solid or liquid drugs, illicit drugs etc. The greatest targets of this are mainly the people of age 20 to 64 mostly due to abusing medical prescriptions as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fenatanyl, methadone etc. And there is a great need to solve the problem and saving lives.
Drug overdoses occurs when people take drugs in greater doses than recommended. The higher the dose and longer its exposure in the body results in serious poisoning. Different individuals react differently to drug overdoses. And the treatment also differs from person to person based on individual needs. No two individuals react similarly and need to be dealt by professional help in such cases. It can happen to anybody of any age. Crawling children may be exposed to this danger of they happen to reach any of the drugs accidentally and consume it as they have a tendency to take every thing to mouth. They may swallow drugs due to curiosity about the medicine in hand which is consumed by one of the family members. This happens in tender age only if any of the drug is kept open and at reach accidentally.
Toddlers are in a habit to share all things. So if you detect drug overdoses in one of them, check all others kids around if present. But adolescents and adults may do it intentionally in the fits of depression or anger to harm them. It is called suicide attempt. If done frequently it shows that they underline some mental health problem. This is serious issue and doesn't only need current safety but the person needs to visit a psychiatrist to share his or her fears and insecurities if any.
The side effects when overdosed are very pronounced. It depends upon the nature of the drug how large or small will be its side effect. The common symptoms of drug overdoses are:
- Increase in body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate is seen. It is life threatening and needs to visit doctor immediately.
- Confusion, sleepiness, dizziness are the other symptoms which can be seen in the person with overdoses of drugs. It can be highly dangerous if the person breathes vomit into the lungs than vomiting out.
- The person will be sweating or cold or hot or may be dry in extremes.
- Pain in chest is usually seen in such situations which can seriously cause heart or lung damage. This may result in forceful, rapid, deep or slow breathing.
- Diarrhea, nausea, pain etc. is possible. Blood in bowel movements and vomit is also possible.
Specific drugs can be highly damaging to various organs too and can harm life in serious situations. If you notice any of these symptoms you should take the person to some professional help, emergency department or hospital near home immediately. Only doctors can detect the seriousness of the overdose and the side effects it may have caused. And if you'll be able to provide the bottle of drug consumed it will be of great help to the doctors to give antidotes.
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