Opioid Overdose Symptoms

Opioid Overdose Symptoms

An opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate action. Quickly recognizing the symptoms of an opioid overdose can help save a person’s life.

The three hallmark symptoms of an opioid overdose are:

• A decreased level of consciousness/ unresponsiveness.
• Pinpoint pupils.
• Slowed, shallow, or stopped breathing.

Other opioid overdose symptoms include:

• Very pale and/or clammy skin.
• Limp body.
• Purple or blue lips or fingernails.
• Vomiting or gurgling noises.
• Slowed or undetectable pulse.

Some common opioid drugs include:

• Heroin.
• Fentanyl (Sublimaze®, Actiq®, Duragesic®).
• Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone (Vicodin®, Norco®, Zohydro®).
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®).
• Methadone (Methadose®, Dolophine®).
• Meperidine (Demerol®)
• Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®, Percodan®, Tylox®).
• Morphine.
• Codeine.
• Oxymorphone (Opana®).

Naloxone (NARCAN®) is the only pharmaceutical drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.