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Warning-sign checks

Oxazepam 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 your local emergency number or poison control centre for immediate instructions.

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

    Call emergency services now if the person:

    • Is difficult or impossible to wake
    • Has slow, shallow, irregular, or stopped breathing
    • Has blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Collapses, has a seizure, or is severely confused
    • May also have taken opioids, alcohol, or another drug
    • Took oxazepam as an act of self-harm

    If they are not breathing normally, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation if you know how and follow the emergency call handler's instructions.

    Keep medicine containers or packaging for emergency staff.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after emergency care for a medication review, ongoing sleepiness, concerns about dependence, or support following an intentional overdose.

    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

    Treat a suspected oxazepam overdose as urgent, even if the person is awake or currently appears well.

    New breathing problems, worsening drowsiness, repeated vomiting, or increasing confusion need urgent reassessment rather than a routine appointment.

  3. 3

    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

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

Do not make the person vomit.

Do not give food, drink, coffee, or a cold shower to try to wake them.

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