sobredose

Sobredose, or overdose, refers to taking a substance in an amount that exceeds what the body can safely process, causing potentially life-threatening symptoms. Overdoses can involve prescription medications, illicit drugs, alcohol, or combinations, and may occur accidentally or intentionally. The term is commonly used for opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and depressants.

Causes and risk factors include miscalculating a dose, taking someone else’s medicine, or mixing substances (for example, alcohol with benzodiazepines or opioids). High-potency adulterants such as fentanyl increase risk, as do age-related changes in metabolism, existing medical conditions, polypharmacy, suicidal intent, and limited access to health care or addiction treatment.

Symptoms vary by substance but may include slowed or stopped breathing, pallor or blue-tinged skin, limpness or unresponsiveness, pinpoint pupils (opioids), vomiting, confusion, seizures, chest pain, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Some overdoses from stimulants may cause agitation, paranoia, and high blood pressure. Without prompt treatment, overdoses can lead to brain injury or death.

Response and treatment: call emergency services immediately if an overdose is suspected. If safe to do so, check for responsiveness and breathing, place the person in a recovery position if unconscious but breathing, and monitor until help arrives. For suspected opioid overdose, administer naloxone if available and you are trained, and perform CPR if there is no pulse. Do not try to force fluids or foods to an unconscious person.

Prevention and public health: reduce risk by using medications as prescribed, avoiding mixing substances, and storing drugs securely. Harm-reduction measures include carrying naloxone, access to supervised consumption services where available, and expanding access to addiction treatment and mental health care.