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Warning-sign checks

Phenytoin 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

    Contact a poison information centre or emergency medical service immediately after a suspected phenytoin overdose, even if there are no symptoms.

    Elsewhere, use your local poison centre or emergency service.

    Call emergency services now if the person:

    • Is difficult to wake, collapses, or loses consciousness
    • Has trouble breathing
    • Has a seizure
    • Cannot stand or walk safely
    • Develops severe confusion or rapidly worsening drowsiness
    • Has fainting, chest pain, or an abnormal heartbeat

    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 a blood test or for symptoms to develop.

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

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After recovery, routine follow-up should review the phenytoin plan and any continuing balance, speech, memory, or seizure concerns.

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

Do not make the person vomit.

Do not give food, drink, or charcoal to someone who is very drowsy.

Do not let them drive.

If safe, take the medicine packaging and information about other possible substances to the hospital.

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