Possible Overdose: Act Right Now

What are the two numbers I need to know?

911 — Call immediately if the person is: - Unconscious or unresponsive - Not breathing, or breathing very slowly or shallowly - Having a seizure or uncontrolled shaking - Lips or fingernails turning blue or gray - Vomiting while unconscious

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 — Call if the person is awake and alert after a possible overdose 1Ref 1O'Connor E, Henninger M, Perdue LA, et al. (2023).Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.Context for intentional overdose as a suicide method; supports guidance on integrating mental health care after an overdose event. Available 24 hours a day, free, and confidential. Have the pill bottle in your hand when you call — the label tells them exactly what was taken and at what dose.

Save both numbers in your phone now.

Why shouldn't I wait to see if symptoms appear?

Many serious overdoses feel fine at first. Symptoms can appear minutes or hours later depending on the medication. Some drugs — particularly extended-release formulations — release their dose slowly, so a person may feel normal and then deteriorate hours after taking them.

For certain medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), significant organ damage can occur before any symptoms appear 2Ref 2MedlinePlus / U.S. National Library of Medicine (2024).Acetaminophen: MedlinePlus Drug Information.Supports the claim that acetaminophen overdose can cause organ damage before symptoms appear and the importance of not waiting. The window for the most effective treatment is often early, before the body has fully absorbed the substance. This is why Poison Control and emergency medicine consistently advise: do not wait.

What do I do while waiting for help?

• Keep the person awake and talking if possible
• If they are unconscious, place them on their side (recovery position) so they do not choke if they vomit
• Do not give food, water, or anything by mouth unless Poison Control tells you to
• Do not try to induce vomiting — this can cause more harm than it prevents
• Stay with them and stay on the phone
• If you called 911 and you are alone: unlock the front door before help arrives, then stay on the line

Bring the pill bottle or container to the hospital. Count the remaining pills if it is safe to do so — it helps responders estimate how much was taken.

What if the overdose may have been intentional?

Emergency responders treat intentional and accidental overdoses the same way medically — there is no judgment. If the person expressed a wish to hurt themselves or is in emotional distress, tell the 911 dispatcher. Mental health support will be part of the care.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) is also available for anyone in crisis before, during, or after a medical event. If the overdose was intentional, follow-up mental health care after the acute episode is critical — the period following a crisis event carries significant risk for a subsequent attempt 3Ref 3National Institute of Mental Health (2023).Depression.Supports the claim that the period following a crisis event carries elevated risk for a subsequent attempt, and the importance of follow-up mental health care.

What will happen at the emergency department?

The clinical team will move quickly to identify what was taken and how much. Common steps include:

• Blood and urine toxicology screen — identifies which substances are present and at what levels, guiding treatment
• Liver and kidney function tests — certain medications (notably acetaminophen) can cause organ damage even before symptoms appear 2Ref 2MedlinePlus / U.S. National Library of Medicine (2024).Acetaminophen: MedlinePlus Drug Information.Supports the claim that acetaminophen overdose can cause organ damage before symptoms appear and the importance of not waiting
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) — many medications affect heart rhythm; an ECG detects dangerous changes early
• Blood oxygen monitoring — tracks whether breathing is adequate

Knowing the medication name, amount, and timing — and whether alcohol or other substances were involved — significantly helps the team. Bring the bottle.