Signs and Symptoms of Drug Overdose
The physical and psychological signs of a drug overdose can vary depending on the type of drug taken, and whether the drug was taken in combination with other substances.
Common signs and symptoms of a drug overdose can include:3,4
- Dilated pupils.
- Unsteady walking.
- Chest pain.
- Severe difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or complete cessation of breath.
- Gurgling sounds that indicate the person’s airway is blocked.
- Blue lips or fingers.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Abnormally high body temperature.
- Violent or aggressive behavior.
- Disorientation or confusion.
- Paranoia.
- Agitation.
- Convulsions or tremors.
- Seizures.
- Unresponsiveness.
- Unconsciousness.
- Death.
How Long Do Overdose Signs and Symptoms Last
A person may not exhibit all or even most of these signs, and the length of time of the overdose may vary depending on other factors such as how the body responds, type of substance, amount taken and how severe the overdose it. Even a few symptoms can indicate a person is experiencing an overdose. If this is the case, a person should take these symptoms very seriously.