Awareness
Many people assume that drug overdoses only involve illegal substances, but prescription medication can be just as dangerous when not taken as directed.
Whether it’s taking an extra dose by mistake, mixing medication with alcohol or using someone else’s prescription, the consequences can quickly become life-threatening.
“Many of the overdose emergencies we attend involve prescription medication that was legally prescribed to the patient,” says Raeesah Boomgaard, Branch Manager of ER24 Johannesburg West.
“Examples include sleeping tablets, anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants and cardiac medication. We also see overdoses involving common over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol and medications containing codeine.”
How do accidental prescription drug overdoses happen?
Not every overdose is intentional. In many cases, people simply lose track of when they last took their medication or accidentally take an extra dose.
Older adults and young children are particularly vulnerable to accidental overdoses.
Having numerous prescriptions at the same time can also increase the risk of mistakes, particularly if there is no system in place to keep track of doses.
Signs that someone may have overdosed
Prescription medications affect the body in different ways, so symptoms can vary depending on the type of drug involved. Some people may experience several symptoms, while others may show only one or two.
Boomgaard says common symptoms of a prescription drug overdose include:
- Loss of consciousness or reduced responsiveness
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Slow breathing
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Low blood pressure
- An unusually slow or fast heart rate
- Pupils that become unusually large or very small
“Any drop in a person’s level of consciousness is a major warning sign that they need emergency medical attention,” says Boomgaard. “Seizures or fits should also never be ignored.”
Why overdoses become life-threatening so quickly
Prescription medicines are carefully prescribed at doses that are considered safe and effective for your specific medical condition.
“When someone overdoses, they are taking an amount that the body is not designed to handle,” says Boomgaard. “This can interfere with normal body functions and push the person into a life-threatening situation very quickly.”
Some medications can slow breathing or affect the heart, while others can cause seizures or severe changes in blood pressure, making immediate medical treatment essential.
What to do if you suspect an overdose
If you think someone has taken too much prescription medication, acting quickly can make a significant difference.
“The first thing anyone should do is call ER24 for help and provide as much information as possible,” she says. “If the person is unconscious or has a reduced level of consciousness, turn them onto their left side to help protect their airway.”
She also recommends collecting any medication packets, bottles or containers that may have been involved and giving them to the paramedics when they arrive, as this information can help guide treatment.
Importantly, do not put anything into the person’s mouth or try to make them vomit.
Reducing the risk of accidental overdose
A few simple habits can help reduce the risk of accidentally taking too much medication.
For starters, Boomgaard recommends using a weekly pill organiser to ensure the correct medication is taken at the right time each day. “Keep track of the medication you take and use reminders or checklists to ensure you have an accurate record of every dose,” she says. “If you think you may have accidentally overdosed, contact emergency medical services immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.”
Share your list of prescribed medication with paramedics if an emergency occurs. “This gives us the information we need to provide the most appropriate treatment,” Boomgaard adds.
Why alcohol and medication don’t mix
Alcohol can significantly increase the risk of a prescription drug overdose.
“Alcohol alters a person’s state of mind, which means they may forget they have already taken their medication and accidentally take more,” says Boomgaard. “It also interacts negatively with many prescription medicines and can worsen their side effects to the point where they become dangerous.”
For this reason, alcohol should never be mixed with prescription medication unless a healthcare professional has confirmed that it is safe to do so.