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Recognizing Opioid Overdose Symptoms
How can we tell if someone is experiencing an opioid overdose? One of the main syptoms is that they will be unresponsive. If you try to wake or rouse them, they will not react or wake up. This is because they can go unconcious due to a lack of oxygen since breathing slows, and eventually stops, during an opioid overdose. Other symptoms include:
- pinpoint (very small) pupils
- a blueish tint to lips and nails
- gasping, choking, or gurgling sounds
- cold, clammy skin
- shallow or absent breathing
What should you do if you think someone is experiencing an opioid overdose?
If you think someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, always call 911 right away. If you have it on hand, administer Narcan/(naloxone). If you would like to learn where to get free Narcan from the City of Phoenix or more about how to use it, check out our Narcan Kits page.
