| prevention = [[Opioid substitution therapy]], [[naloxone]] distribution
| treatment = [[Naloxone]], [[supportive care]]
| prognosis = Good with prompt treatment
| frequency = Common
| deaths = Hundreds of thousands globally per year
}}
{{Short description|An article about opioid overdose, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.}}
{{Short description|An article about opioid overdose, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Medical disclaimer}}
'''Opioid overdose''' is a medical condition that occurs when a person consumes an excessive amount of opioids, leading to potentially life-threatening symptoms. Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription medications, such as [[morphine]], [[oxycodone]], and [[fentanyl]], as well as illegal drugs like [[heroin]].
'''Opioid overdose''' is a medical condition that occurs when a person consumes an excessive amount of opioids, leading to potentially life-threatening symptoms. Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription medications, such as [[morphine]], [[oxycodone]], and [[fentanyl]], as well as illegal drugs like [[heroin]].
==Causes==
==Causes==
Opioid overdose can occur due to several reasons, including:
Opioid overdose can occur due to several reasons, including:
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* Using opioids after a period of abstinence, which reduces tolerance.
* Using opioids after a period of abstinence, which reduces tolerance.
* Accidental ingestion, especially in children.
* Accidental ingestion, especially in children.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
The symptoms of opioid overdose are primarily due to the drug's effects on the central nervous system and include:
The symptoms of opioid overdose are primarily due to the drug's effects on the central nervous system and include:
* Severe [[respiratory depression]], which can lead to [[hypoxia]] and death.
* Severe [[respiratory depression]], which can lead to [[hypoxia]] and death.
* [[Miosis]], or pinpoint pupils, as shown in the image [[File:Myosis due to opiate use.jpg|thumb]].
* [[Miosis]], or pinpoint pupils, as shown in the image [[File:Myosis due to opiate use.jpg|left|thumb]].
* Unconsciousness or inability to wake up.
* Unconsciousness or inability to wake up.
* Limp body and pale, clammy skin.
* Limp body and pale, clammy skin.
* Slow or absent pulse.
* Slow or absent pulse.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of opioid overdose is primarily clinical, based on the presentation of symptoms and history of opioid use. Toxicology screens can confirm the presence of opioids in the system.
Diagnosis of opioid overdose is primarily clinical, based on the presentation of symptoms and history of opioid use. Toxicology screens can confirm the presence of opioids in the system.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
The primary treatment for opioid overdose is the administration of [[naloxone]], an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioids. Naloxone can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or intranasally. A naloxone kit is shown in the image [[File:NaloxoneKit.jpg|thumb]].
The primary treatment for opioid overdose is the administration of [[naloxone]], an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioids. Naloxone can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or intranasally.
Supportive care, including ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygenation, is also critical. In severe cases, advanced life support measures may be necessary.
Supportive care, including ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygenation, is also critical. In severe cases, advanced life support measures may be necessary.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Preventing opioid overdose involves several strategies, including:
Preventing opioid overdose involves several strategies, including:
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* Increasing access to naloxone for individuals at risk of overdose.
* Increasing access to naloxone for individuals at risk of overdose.
* Encouraging the use of [[medication-assisted treatment]] (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
* Encouraging the use of [[medication-assisted treatment]] (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
==Public Health Impact==
==Public Health Impact==
Opioid overdose is a significant public health issue, contributing to thousands of deaths annually worldwide. The [[opioid epidemic]] has highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to address opioid misuse and overdose.
Opioid overdose is a significant public health issue, contributing to thousands of deaths annually worldwide. The [[opioid epidemic]] has highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to address opioid misuse and overdose.
An article about opioid overdose, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Opioid overdose is a medical condition that occurs when a person consumes an excessive amount of opioids, leading to potentially life-threatening symptoms. Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription medications, such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl, as well as illegal drugs like heroin.
Causes
Opioid overdose can occur due to several reasons, including:
Taking a higher dose than prescribed.
Using opioids in combination with other depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Using opioids after a period of abstinence, which reduces tolerance.
Accidental ingestion, especially in children.
Symptoms
The symptoms of opioid overdose are primarily due to the drug's effects on the central nervous system and include:
Miosis, or pinpoint pupils, as shown in the image .
Unconsciousness or inability to wake up.
Limp body and pale, clammy skin.
Slow or absent pulse.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of opioid overdose is primarily clinical, based on the presentation of symptoms and history of opioid use. Toxicology screens can confirm the presence of opioids in the system.
Treatment
The primary treatment for opioid overdose is the administration of naloxone, an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioids. Naloxone can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or intranasally.
Supportive care, including ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygenation, is also critical. In severe cases, advanced life support measures may be necessary.
Prevention
Preventing opioid overdose involves several strategies, including:
Educating patients and healthcare providers about the risks of opioid use.
Implementing prescription drug monitoring programs.
Increasing access to naloxone for individuals at risk of overdose.
Opioid overdose is a significant public health issue, contributing to thousands of deaths annually worldwide. The opioid epidemic has highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to address opioid misuse and overdose.
