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Warning-sign checks

Methamphetamine 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 now for any suspected methamphetamine overdose, especially if there is:

    • Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat
    • A seizure, collapse, or inability to wake
    • Very hot skin, heavy sweating, confusion, or muscle stiffness
    • Severe agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, or unsafe behaviour
    • Sudden weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, or severe headache
    • Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing

    Tell emergency responders what may have been taken and when, if known.

    This information is used to guide care, not to judge the person.

    If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR if you know how and follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.

    Give naloxone if an opioid like oxycodone or morphine may be involved and it is available.

    An unconscious person, breathing problem, seizure, stroke symptom, chest pain, or severe overheating requires emergency services rather than routine Poison Control follow-up.

    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

    Do not wait for every symptom to appear.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange non-emergency follow-up for continuing anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, hallucinations, chest discomfort, or reduced urination after discharge.

    Support for methamphetamine use can also be sought without waiting for another crisis.

    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, move nearby hazards away and keep the area as calm and cool as possible.

Do not try to hold down someone who is severely agitated unless needed to prevent immediate injury.

Do not give food, drinks, or additional drugs, and do not make the person vomit.

If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side if you can do so safely.

In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate advice.

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