Opioid Overdose

Who is at risk of having an opioid overdose?

Anyone using prescribed or street opioids can have an overdose, but there are some things that put you at higher risk, such as:

• taking prescription opioids more often or at higher doses than recommended
• taking opioids with alcohol or sedatives, such as:
  • sleeping pills
  • muscle relaxants
  • benzodiazepines
• injecting drugs
• taking an opioid your body isn’t used to, or switching to a stronger drug
• taking higher doses than you are used to
• using drugs of unknown purity or strength
• other health conditions, like liver or kidney disease, or breathing problems

An overdose can also happen if you misuse opioids. For example, extended-release opioid tablets are meant to be swallowed whole. If you crush or break these pills before taking them, it may cause an overdose because too much of the drug is released at once.

The strength and type of opioids available on the street are unknown and can vary. This can increase the risk of overdose and death. Some opioids called fentanyl and carfentanil can be particularly dangerous because they:

• can be fatal even in very small amounts
• are being mixed with, or disguised and sold as street drugs, such as:
  • heroin
  • cocaine
  • counterfeit prescription drugs such as oxycodone

Signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose

Recognize the signs and symptoms of an overdose, including:

•  difficulty
  • walking
  • talking
  • staying awake
• blue lips or nails
• very small pupils
• cold and clammy skin
• dizziness and confusion
• extreme drowsiness
• choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
• slow, weak or no breathing
• inability to wake up, even when shaken or shouted at

* All sources are taken from the Government of Canada website