Treating the Most Common Overdoses
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Tranquilizers Such as Valium, Halycon, and Librium
Before You Put the Band-Aid On
Sometimes drug withdrawal can mimic drug overdose. If someone has abruptly stopped taking medication or has stopped drinking, it is possible that he or she will exhibit the same signs as with an overdose (rapid pulse, disorientation, clammy skin, and more). If these symptoms occur, take the person to a hospital to ensure that he or she receives the right type of care.
There was a time when doctors prescribed Valium for almost everything. Tranquilizers are still used to help people who suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, and insomnia. Unfortunately, they can become addictive and must be carefully monitored. Tranquilizers are considered a controlled substance, and prescriptions can only be filled a certain number of times each year. If someone overdoses on tranquilizers, he or she will fall asleep and will eventually become unconscious. Follow these steps if you suspect a tranquilizer overdose:
- Call for help immediately. The person's stomach must be pumped.
- Try to keep the victim up and moving around. Do everything you can to prevent him or her from falling asleep before help arrives.
Narcotics Such as Heroin and Opium
These are the most deadly drugs of all. Highly addictive and highly dangerous to the body, narcotics include opium and its derivatives, morphine and codeine, heroin, Demerol, and methadone. Because narcotics are not regulated, it's difficult to inject a safe amount, and overdoses happen frequently. Symptoms of a narcotics overdose include:
| Lethargy | Contracted pupils (to pinpoints) |
| Profuse sweating | Clammy skin |
| Low temperature | Muscle relaxation |
| Weak pulse | Weak breathing |
| Sleep, leading to a coma |
To treat an overdose of narcotics, follow these steps:
- Call for help immediately.
- Try to rouse the person who has overdosed, slapping his cheek gently if necessary.
- If the victim is lying down, turn him to the side to keep airways clear and to prevent choking if he begins to vomit.
- Don't show your anger or dismay—at least right now. Instead, reassure the victim as you wait for help to arrive.