Overdose

For those who take Oxycodone excessively as a result of Oxycodone addiction, the risk of overdose is not only severe, it’s potentially deadly. Oxycodone overdose occurs when too much Oxycodone is taken in a period of time causing the body to react negatively by completely shutting down. In the most severe cases, oxycodone overdose can be fatal which is why it is important that anyone who using Oxycodone or who knows an Oxycodone user knows what to look out for and what to do if an Oxycodone overdose is suspected.

When someone intentionally or accidentally takes too much Oxycodone or too much of a drug that contains Oxycodone, there is an increased risk of overdose. The user may accidentally take too much Oxycodone in an effort to stop pain or they may take too much of the medication intentionally. Regardless of the reason behind the overdose, the end result is much the same; the organs shut down, there is a risk of heart attack or stroke and death is one of the potential consequences which can and will occur.

If you suspect that someone has overdosed on Oxycodone, seek immediate medical help by calling 911. Do not let your fear of getting into trouble stop you from seeking help for someone whom you believe may have taken a potentially lethal dose of Oxycodone.

Symptoms of Oxycodone Overdose

Anytime Oxycodone is taken there is a potential for side effects to occur. If the side effects of Oxycodone become so pronounced and prevalent that you notice the user cannot stay awake, is confused or is having trouble breathing then you should contact emergency care immediately for help. The symptoms of oxycodone overdose resemble the symptoms of oxycodone use but are typically more severe and may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty staying awake
• Very small pupils

If the user is having any type of trouble breathing, overdose is likely the cause. Breathing difficulties are one of the most dangerous and potentially deadly consequences of Oxycodone overdose. Because the drug is a central nervous system depressant, there is stress placed on the heart and the lungs which can make breathing shallow, slow or otherwise difficult for the user—these are all signs that there is a need for immediate help.

If the user is extremely sleepy and cannot stay awake, oxycodone overdose may be to blame. Depending on how much a person has taken, the sleepiness may wear off or if he or she has taken a potentially dangerous dose, sleepiness can lead to a state of complete unconsciousness, coma and death.

Before Calling for Emergency Care

If you suspect that someone may have overdosed on Oxycodone, take a couple of seconds to make sure that you have as much information as you can before you make the call for emergency help. First, know the patient’s age, height, weight and condition. As much information as you can gather will be helpful but don’t waste too much time.

Next, try to find any sign of what they took. Did they use Oxycodone pills orally, did they inject a deadly combination or were the pills snorted. What drug was taken and how much? Again, as much information as possible in a very quick and short amount of time without wasting time.

Do you know when the user took the dose? Do you know how much was taken or if the medication was prescribed to the patient? These are all potential questions that will be asked by the emergency responders when you make the call.

Most importantly, be sure to call for help! Calling 911 when you suspect that someone may have taken a potentially dangerous dose of Oxycodone can make the difference between life and death—so don’t hesitate to call for help.

Resources:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007285.htm