Drug overdose

An overdose occurs when a toxic (poisonous) amount of a drug or poison is taken. A person’s tolerance for any drug varies with age, state of health, how the substance was consumed and other factors. All drugs including alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter medications, illegal drugs and some herbal remedies have the potential to cause harm.

In many instances, the body is capable of healing itself or may be able to recover with help. However, overdose can also cause death. This may be instant or may occur slowly as a result of permanent organ damage. Treatment for overdose may be short term or may involve ongoing treatment (for example, in the case of self-harm or attempted suicide).

Always call triple zero (000) if a drug overdose is known or suspected.

Signs and symptoms
A wide range of signs and symptoms can occur with drug overdose and everyone responds differently. Signs and symptoms depend on a variety of factors including which drug is taken, the amount taken and the person’s state of health at the time.

General symptoms of a drug overdose may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance
• Seizures
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Breathing difficulties
• Internal bleeding
• Hallucination
• Visual disturbances
• Coma.

• Accidental – a person takes the wrong drug or combination of drugs, in the wrong amount or at the wrong time, without knowing that it could cause them harm.
• Intentional misuse – a person takes an overdose to get ‘high’ or to deliberately inflict self-harm. The latter may be a cry for help or a suicide attempt.

• Young adults
• Middle-aged people
• Women, who are more likely to overdose than men.

• More than one drug is taken at the same time
• The person's body is not used to taking a certain drug.

• Full assessment in the emergency department – this may include blood tests, observation and psychological review
• Phoning the Victorian Poisons Information Centre for advice
• Removing the drug from the body – for example, giving activated charcoal which binds the drug so the body can’t absorb it
• Administering an antidote, which is possible for some drugs
• Admission to hospital for further treatment
• A follow-up by the person’s local doctor – this is important for everyone who has had an overdose to monitor healing process, continue treatment (if required) or arrange for further help.

• Follow all instructions given by the doctor.
• Some people can get constipated. Drinking plenty of water should stop this from happening.
• Charcoal can interfere with the effectiveness of other medications – for example, women taking the oral contraceptive pill should use another method of contraception until their next period.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – don’t smoke, have regular exercise and maintain a healthy diet.
• Avoid drugs of any kind unless advised by a doctor.
• Always inform a doctor of a previous overdose.
• Always read medication labels carefully and check that the right drug and dose is given – especially to children.
• Do not stockpile unnecessary drugs. Return them to the chemist if you no longer need them.
• Keep all drugs and poisons locked away in a safe, secure place.

• Stay calm.
• If in doubt about whether it is a medical emergency, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
• Call the Victorian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, even if the person seems OK. The centre is open 24 hours a day, every day, Australia-wide.
• Practice basic first aid – a first aid course can teach you what to do to help in an emergency.
• Do not try to make the person vomit.
• Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.
• Tell ambulance officers and doctors what the person has taken, if you know, and bring any pill containers to hospital.

• Your doctor
• The emergency department of your nearest hospital
• Always call an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 000
• Victorian Poisons Information Centre Tel. 13 11 26 – seven days a week, 24 hours a day – for advice when poisoning or suspected poisoning occurs and poisoning prevention information
• Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14
• Alcohol and Drugs Direct Line Tel. 1800 888 236
• St John Ambulance Australia (first aid courses) Tel. 1300 360 455
• Family Drug Help – for information and support for people concerned about a relative or friend using drugs Tel. 1300 660 068

• Many substances can cause harm when too much is taken including alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter medications, illegal drugs and some herbal remedies.
• The risk is increased when more than one drug is taken at the same time or the body is not used to taking a certain drug.
• Always call triple zero (000) if a drug overdose is known or suspected.
• To prevent accidental overdose, keep all drugs and poisons locked away in a secure place and take only as directed.

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