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Drug abuse first aid - Symptom

Alternative Names

Overdose from drugs

Symptoms:

Drug overdose symptoms vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:

Abnormal pupil size
Agitation
Convulsions
Death
Delusional or paranoid behavior
Difficulty breathing
Drowsiness
Hallucinations
Nausea and vomiting
Nonreactive pupils (pupils that do not change size when exposed to light)
Staggering or unsteady gait (ataxia)
Sweating or extremely dry, hot skin
Tremors
Unconsciousness (coma)
Violent or aggressive behavior

Drug withdrawal symptoms also vary widely depending on the specific drug(s) used, but may include:

Abdominal cramping
Agitation
Cold sweat
Convulsions
Delusions
Depression
Diarrhea
Hallucinations
Nausea and vomiting
Restlessness
Shaking
Death

Reviewed last on: 7/23/2008
Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Hantsch CE. Opioids. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006: chap 160.

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Drug abuse first aid - Symptom

Alternative Names

Symptoms:

References