Opioids are medications used to treat severe pain. These drugs bind to receptors in the brain and other areas to release dopamine. Opioid drugs that are commonly prescribed include:
Certain opioids may also be used to treat opioid use disorder, such as:
- buprenorphine
- methadone
- naltrexone
The highly addictive drugheroinis also an opioid.
Opioid intoxication, also known as overdose, occurs when someone takes too much of an opioid drug.
The level depends on how much of the drug is taken. Opioid intoxication happens often in the United States and consequences can be deadly.
Opioid intoxication occurs when someone takes too manyopioids. Opioid intoxication can occur if someone:
- overdoses
- mixes opioids together
- takes opioidswithout a prescriptionor for longer than prescribed
- takes other drugs without realizing they’ve been
laced with opioids such as carfentanil or fentanyl
在recent years, fatal drug overdoses have increased in the United States. In 2015,63.1 percent涉及的所有吸毒过量死亡阿片类药物。
Certainrisk factorscan lead to intoxication, including:
例如,65岁以上的人或那些memory issues may forget that they’ve taken their medication and accidentally take another dose. Separating medications by daily dosage can prevent someone from taking more than the recommended amount.
Changes in metabolism can affect the way a medication is absorbed. Those withmetabolic disordersmust be closely monitored while taking prescriptionpain medications.
Prescription drug misuse is becoming more common among younger Americans. According to theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 3.6 percent of Americans aged 12 to 17 misused opioids in 2016.
In 2010, the
Symptoms and their severity will vary depending on how much of the opioid medication has been taken. Symptoms typically include:
- small or constricted pupils
- slowedorabsent breathing
- extremefatigue
- changes in heart rate
- loss of alertness
Call 911 or your local emergency services right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
An opioid overdose requires emergency medical treatment. A nurse at the hospital or emergency room will first measure:
- breathing rate
- blood pressure
- heart rate
- temperature
The ER provider may order atoxicology screeningto determine the overall effects of the intoxication.
In the meantime, they may use a drug known asnaloxone(Narcan, Evzio). This medication prevents the opioid from further affecting thecentral nervous system. The doctor may also useoxygen supportif breathing is affected.
First responders, such as emergency medical technicians, nurses, police officers, and firefighters, may also have naloxone.
In many states, such as California, health systems or hospitals may sometimes prescribe naloxone to people with opioid prescriptions. Those people will then have quick access in the case of accidental intoxication.
Complicationscan arise if opioids are mixed with alcohol, including:
- decreased heart rate
- low blood pressure
- slowed breathing
- coma
- death
Dependenceon opioids may also be a problem. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have concerns aboutaddiction.
The outlook for this condition depends on the severity of intoxication. Mild cases are the easiest to treat and require short hospital visits. More severe cases require longer hospital stays and medical monitoring.
Treatment can resolve mild intoxication, but this doesn’t addressintentional intoxicationor addiction. If you’re concerned about your risk factors or the risk factors of someone you know for opioid dependence or abuse, talk with a doctor.
You may also consider:
- over-the-counter pain medicine as an alternative to opioids
- group therapy
- individual counseling
You may requirebehavioral therapyfor a healthy long-term outlook. Talk to your primary care provider about psychological and psychiatric treatments that can help you get better.
It’s possible for you or someone you know to pull through an opioid intoxication or use disorder and continue on a healthy path.