Överdos

Överdos (overdose) refers to ingesting or administering a substance in an amount that exceeds the body's tolerance, producing harmful effects and potentially life-threatening illness. It can be accidental or intentional and may involve prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, alcohol, or combinations.

The substances most commonly implicated include opioids, central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, acetaminophen, and stimulants. Mixing substances and polydrug use markedly increases risk. Vulnerable groups include people with substance-use disorders, those taking multiple medications, and young people.

Symptoms vary by substance but often include confusion or reduced consciousness, slowed or irregular breathing, vomiting, seizures, chest pain, and abnormal heart rate. Opioid overdoses frequently feature slowed breathing or arrest and pinpoint pupils; alcohol- or sedative-related overdoses cause drowsiness or coma.

Prevention focuses on safe medication use, secure storage, correct dosing, avoiding mixing substances, and access to harm-reduction tools such as naloxone for opioid overdoses. Public health measures include education and treatment for substance-use disorders.

Treatment requires urgent medical care. If a suspected overdose is present, call emergency services immediately. Do not delay seeking help; if trained, monitor airway and breathing or provide rescue breaths. In hospital, patient monitoring, supportive care, and antidotes tailored to the substance may be used.

Prognosis depends on the substance and amount, the speed of treatment, and the individual's health. Overdoses can be fatal, but many people recover with prompt intervention. See also: Naloxone, Harm reduction, Substance-use disorder.