Opioid Overdose Symptoms

An opioid overdose is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate action. Quickly recognizing the symptoms of an opioid overdose can help save a person’s life.

The three hallmark symptoms of an opioid overdose are:

A decreased level of consciousness/ unresponsiveness.
Pinpoint pupils.
Slowed, shallow, or stopped breathing.

Other opioid overdose symptoms include:

Very pale and/or clammy skin.
Limp body.
Purple or blue lips or fingernails.
Vomiting or gurgling noises.
Slowed or undetectable pulse.

Some common opioid drugs include:

Heroin.
Fentanyl (Sublimaze®, Actiq®, Duragesic®).
Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone (Vicodin®, Norco®, Zohydro®).
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®).
Methadone (Methadose®, Dolophine®).
Meperidine (Demerol®)
Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®, Percodan®, Tylox®).
Morphine.
Codeine.
Oxymorphone (Opana®).

Naloxone (NARCAN®) is the only pharmaceutical drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.