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Warning-sign checks

Codeine overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help again if unusual sleepiness, confusion, slow or difficult breathing, blue or gray coloring, fainting, or inability to wake returns.

    Naloxone is not a replacement for emergency care.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    New severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or worsening confusion requires prompt medical assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up with the prescribing clinician to review why the overdose occurred and whether codeine remains appropriate.

    A pharmacist can help identify duplicate ingredients and dangerous interactions.

    These are not symptoms to wait for at a routine appointment.

    If the event involved acetaminophen or another non-opioid ingredient, follow-up blood tests may be needed even if the person feels better.

    A follow-up plan may include safe medication storage, disposing of unused opioids, and keeping naloxone available.

    Household members can learn where naloxone is stored and how to use it.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

After discharge, follow the care team’s instructions about medicines, laboratory tests, and activity.

If the overdose was related to nonmedical opioid use, cravings, or difficulty controlling use, compassionate treatment is available.

A clinician can discuss medications for opioid use disorder, counseling, and local support.

After a period without opioids, tolerance falls, so returning to a previous amount can be especially dangerous.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Codeine overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.