The best methods remove opportunities for accidental overdose or triggers for intentional overdose in the first place. Antihistamines may be first generation (sedating) or second generation (nonsedating). These two types may lead to different reactions if a person takes too much. In mild cases, an individual may be able to use self-care at home.
- If you see someone potentially experiencing a drug overdose, seek immediate medical assistance by calling 911.
- Naloxone can reverse the effects of an overdose if it’s given to the person quickly.
- If you suspect a person has overdosed, but you’re not sure what substance they’ve used, you should still give them a dose of naloxone just in case they have opioids in their system.
- If people suspect themselves or someone they know is at risk of opioid misuse or an opioid overdose, they can talk with the healthcare professional who prescribed the opioid medication about any concerns.
- People with a prior history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding should not take NSAIDS like ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (OTC NSAID) used to relieve inflammation, fever, and mild pain. You should always take ibuprofen exactly as directed on the label or as recommended by your doctor. Good Samaritan recovery from addiction laws are in place in most states to protect those who are overdosing and anyone assisting them in an emergency from arrest, charges, or a combination of these. Focus on describing what you can see and whether they’re not breathing or responding.
Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP)
That means it’s safe to administer even if you’re unsure of whether someone’s experiencing unintentional poisoning from opioids or another substance. The liver and the kidneys are organs at high risk following a drug overdose. Brain damage can also occur from the containment of lung and heart function, which can be permanent. Offer first 50 substance abuse group therapy activities for recovery aid to the person suffering from a suspected drug overdose as directed by the 911 operators. If a person takes one of these other medications and also takes an allergy medication, they may accidentally overdose. Research on antihistamines says that children and older adults are more at risk of an antihistamine overdose than adults.
Try to obtain as much information about the suspected drug overdose as you can. This includes the drug used, the dosage, and the last time the individual took the drug. If there are any labeled containers of prescription drugs, take them to the ambulance once it arrives, even if the container is empty. If you don’t have naloxone available or after you’ve given someone their first dose of naloxone, you should support their breathing until they start breathing on their own or until emergency services arrive.
Opioid Overdose
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 106,699 people died of a drug overdose in the United States in 2021. If a person is responsive, maintaining consciousness, and breathing without difficulty, it’s unlikely that they’re experiencing an unintentional opioid overdose. Treating an unintentional opioid overdose might sound like a daunting task, but there are a few straightforward steps you can take until emergency services arrive. Substance use disorders (SUDs) impact the lives of millions of Americans. More than 100,000 people died from drug overdoses from April 2020 to 2021, an increase of 28.5% from the prior year, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Antihistamine overdose: What to know and what to do
Because of this, it’s essential to call 911 for the person so they can get immediate medical care. It can be difficult for people who use opioids or other substances to know what to expect when using nonmedical forms of opioids. This is because when they’re not regulated medically, they often have varying levels of potency. They may also be combined with other substances like heroin, high-grade fentanyl, carfentanil (an extremely strong opioid used by veterinarians to treat large animals like elephants) or other unknown substances. Using unregulated opioids increases someone’s chances of overdose and death from overdose.
Does Insurance Cover Opioid Rehab?
These give immunity from arrest, charge, or prosecution when experiencing or responding to an unintentional overdose. When the paramedics arrive, tell them as much information as you can about the person’s symptoms and whether naloxone was used. If they wake up after you inject naloxone, explain what happened. Stay with them until medical personnel arrive, and let medical personnel know that the person has been given naloxone. Check out the National Community Based Naloxone Finder Map to find one near you.
