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Warning-sign checks

Methadone 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

    Call emergency services immediately if someone may have taken too much methadone or has slow breathing, cannot be awakened, is making choking or gurgling sounds, or has blue or grey lips.

    If the person is not breathing normally, begin CPR or rescue breathing as directed by the emergency dispatcher

    Tell emergency responders what was taken and when, if known

    After emergency treatment, arrange routine follow-up with the service managing the methadone or with primary care.

    Seek earlier medical review for ongoing cough, fever, breathlessness, palpitations, fainting, weakness, memory problems, or unusual confusion.

    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

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

While waiting for help:

Give naloxone if it is available, following the product instructions

If they are breathing but unconscious, place them on their side

Stay with them and watch their breathing

Give further naloxone if instructed and symptoms return

Do not make the person vomit.

Do not put them in a cold bath, force them to walk, or give coffee.

These actions do not reverse an opioid overdose and may cause harm.

Do not let someone “sleep it off.” Apparent snoring may actually be a sign that their airway is partly blocked.

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