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Warning-sign checks

Opioid intoxication: 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 if a person:

    • Cannot be awakened or is only briefly responsive
    • Has slow, shallow, irregular, or stopped breathing
    • Makes choking, gasping, snoring, or gurgling sounds
    • Has blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Collapses, has a seizure, or has no pulse
    • May have swallowed an opioid accidentally, especially if they are a child

    If you are unsure whether opioids are involved, emergency responders can assess the person, and naloxone is unlikely to harm someone who has not taken an opioid.

    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 unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • 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
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Give naloxone immediately if available.

    Do not wait to see whether symptoms improve.

    Urgent medical assessment is also appropriate for persistent drowsiness, confusion, repeated vomiting, chest pain, breathing difficulty, or a new injury after opioid use, even if the person is awake.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is important after recovery from any suspected intoxication or overdose.

    This is a chance to review medicines, obtain naloxone, discuss safer use, and consider treatment or support without judgement.

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