What is an opioid overdose?

What is an opioid overdose?

Opioids affect the part of the brain that regulates breathing. When people take high doses of opioids, it can lead to an overdose, with the slowing or stopping of breathing and sometimes death.

What causes an opioid overdose?

An opioid overdose can happen for a variety of reasons, including if you:

Take an opioid to get high.

Take an extra dose of a prescription opioid or take it too often (either accidentally or on purpose).

Mix an opioid with other medicines, illegal drugs, or alcohol. An overdose can be fatal when mixing an opioid and certain anxiety treatment medicines, such as Xanax or Valium.

Take an opioid medicine that was prescribed for someone else. Children are especially at risk of an accidental overdose if they take medicine not intended for them.

There is also a risk of overdose if you are getting medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). MOUD is a treatment for OUD. Many of the medicines used for MOUD are also controlled substances that can be misused.

Who is at risk of an opioid overdose?

Anyone who takes an opioid can be at risk of an overdose, but you are at higher risk if you:

Take illegal opioids

Take more opioid medicine than you are prescribed

Combine opioids with other medicines and/or alcohol

Have certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, or reduced kidney or liver function

Are over 65 years old

What are the signs of an opioid overdose?

The signs of an opioid overdose include:

Very small pupils of the eyes

Falling asleep or loss of consciousness

Slow, shallow breathing

Choking or gurgling sounds

Vomiting

Limp body

Pale, blue, or cold skin

Faint heartbeat

Purple lips and fingernails