Drug overdose is a medical emergency that happens when someone takes toxic amounts of drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications.

This guide explores the signs and symptoms of drug overdose, examines things you can overdose on, highlights the rising overdose death rates in the United States, and shows you what to do if someone is overdosing.

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What Is an Overdose?

What does overdose mean, then? An overdose happens when someone takes too much of a substance, making their brain and body stop working properly. Overdoses can be deadly, but even if they aren’t, they can cause serious health problems.

Overdose symptoms can be hard to tell apart from regular drug side effects. For those wondering what drugs can you overdose on, substances include:

• Alcohol
• Opioids like heroin and fentanyl
• Prescription painkillers
• Benzodiazepines
• Stimulants like meth and cocaine

Drug Overdose Death Rates

In 2022, nearly 108,000 people in the U.S. died from drug overdoses [1], including both illegal and prescription drugs. Drug overdose deaths increased from 2019 to 2022, reaching 107,941 deaths in 2022.

Deaths from synthetic opioids like fentanyl rose to 73,838 in 2022. Stimulant-related deaths, including those from cocaine and methamphetamine, also went up, with 27,569 and 34,022 deaths respectively in 2022. 

Opioid overdose deaths grew from 49,860 in 2019 to 81,806 in 2022. Prescription opioid deaths rose from 3,442 in 1999 to 17,029 in 2017, then slightly dropped to 14,139 by 2019, followed by a small increase to 16,416 in 2020, and dropped again to 14,716 in 2022.

Heroin-related deaths increased from 3,036 in 2010 to 15,469 in 2016, then decreased to 5,871 by 2022. Psychostimulant-related deaths jumped from 5,716 in 2015 to 34,022 in 2022. Cocaine overdose deaths rose from 6,784 in 2015 to 27,569 in 2022.

Benzodiazepine overdose deaths increased from 1,135 in 1999 to 11,537 in 2017, then dropped to 9,711 in 2019, rose to 12,499 in 2021, and declined to 10,964 in 2022.

Signs & Symptoms of an Overdose

Recognizing what are signs of overdose can save a life. Acting quickly and knowing what to look for are essential in these situations.

Key Signs of Drug Overdose

Watch for the following indicators of a drug overdose and you could save a life.

Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness

If someone can’t be woken up or doesn’t respond when you shake them or call their name, this is a major red flag. They might appear to be in a deep sleep or even in a coma-like state.

Slow or no breathing

Watch for very slow breathing or if the person has stopped breathing entirely. You might notice long pauses between breaths or hear choking and gurgling sounds, which can indicate a blocked airway.

Small pupils

Check their eyes: tiny, pinpoint-sized pupils are a common sign of an opioid overdose [2]. Their eyes might not react to light as usual.

Blue or pale skin

Look for changes in skin color. The person’s skin might turn blue or gray, especially around the lips and fingernails, which means they are not getting enough oxygen.

Chest pain

The person might clutch their chest or complain of a tight feeling. This could signal a heart problem related to the overdose, which is very serious.

Foaming at the mouth

In some cases, you might see foam at the person’s mouth, which is a severe sign and requires immediate attention.

Lesser Knowns Symptoms of Overdose

Overdose symptoms may also include:

• Confusion or strange behavior: The person might act very confused, not know where they are, or say things that don’t make sense. This can be a sign that their brain is not functioning properly due to the overdose.
• Vomiting: Throwing up can be a symptom of an overdose. If the person is unconscious, they could choke on their vomit, which is extremely dangerous.
• Seizures: Overdoses can cause seizures, which are sudden, uncontrolled shaking movements. This requires immediate medical attention to prevent injury.
• Sweating or clammy skin: The person might sweat a lot or have skin that feels cold and damp to the touch. This is a sign that their body is in distress.
• Extreme drowsiness: The person might be very sleepy and unable to stay awake, even if you try to keep them alert. This could lead to them becoming unconscious.

Recognizing these signs early can help you take quick action to get the person the help they need. Always call for emergency services if you suspect someone is overdosing.

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What Can You Overdose On?

Many substances can cause an overdose if taken in large amounts. Overdosing can be dangerous and can lead to serious health problems or even death. Here are some common types of substances you can overdose on:

 Over-the-Counter Medications

OTC (over-the-counter) medications are drugs you can buy without a prescription. They are often used to treat common health problems but taking too much can be harmful and may lead to OTC overdose. The following medications are associated with overdose risk.

Pain relievers 

• Examples: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Uses: Relieves pain and reduces fever
• Overdose risks: Too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Too much ibuprofen can damage the stomach, intestines, and kidneys.

Cold and flu medications

• Examples: Cough syrups, decongestants
• Uses: Eases symptoms of colds and flu
• Overdose risks: Can cause drowsiness, high blood pressure, heart problems, and confusion if taken in large amounts, leading to over the counter overdose.

Antihistamines

• Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Uses: Relieves allergy symptoms
• Overdose risks: Can cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and even seizures or coma.

Antacids

• Examples: Tums, Rolaids
• Uses: Relieves heartburn and indigestion
• Overdose risks: Overuse can cause stomach problems, affect calcium levels, and lead to kidney stones.

Laxatives

• Examples: Dulcolax, Miralax
• Uses: Helps with constipation
• Overdose risks: Can cause dehydration, severe digestive problems, and electrolyte imbalances.

Prescribed Medication

Prescribed medications [3] are given by a doctor to treat specific health conditions. It’s essential to take them exactly as directed.

Pain Medications

• Examples: Oxycodone, morphine
• Uses: Relieves severe pain
• Overdose risks: Can cause drowsiness, slow breathing, unconsciousness, and death.

Benzodiazepines (benzos)

• Examples: Diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax)
• Uses: Treats anxiety, seizures, and insomnia
• Overdose risks: Can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, slow breathing, and coma. Combining with alcohol increases the risk of overdose [4]. 

Blood pressure medications 

• Examples: Lisinopril, metoprolol
• Uses: Manages high blood pressure
• Overdose risks: Can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and shock. 

Insulin

• Examples: Humalog, Lantus
• Uses: Controls blood sugar levels in diabetes
• Overdose risks: Too much insulin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), leading to shakiness, confusion, seizures, and even death. 

Antibiotics

• Examples: Amoxicillin, azithromycin
• Uses: Treats bacterial infections
• Overdose risks: Can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. Overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Antidepressants

• Examples: Sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Uses: Treats depression and anxiety
• Overdose risks: Can cause confusion, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and coma. 

Drugs & Illegal Substances

Illegal drugs are controlled substances [5] that are against the law to use, sell, or possess. These drugs can be very dangerous and can cause serious health problems or death. 

Fentanyl

• Uses: A powerful opioid painkiller, sometimes mixed with other drugs without the person knowing.
• Overdose risks: Extremely high risk of overdose, even in very small amounts. Can cause slow or stopped breathing, unconsciousness, and death, meaning any use of fentanyl is perhaps the easiest way to overdose.

Heroin

• Uses: Highly addictive opioid that gives a strong, euphoric feeling.
• Overdose risks: Can cause slow or stopped breathing, unconsciousness, and death. Varying purity levels increase the risk of overdose. 

Cocaine

• Uses: Stimulant that gives a quick, intense high.
• Overdose risks: Can cause heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and death. Even small amounts can be deadly.

Methamphetamine

• Uses: Powerful stimulant that increases energy and alertness.
• Overdose risks: Can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, overheating, seizures, and death.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

• Uses: Stimulant and hallucinogen often used at parties and clubs.
• Overdose risks: Can cause dehydration, overheating, heart problems, and long-term brain damage. 

Marijuana

• Uses: Often used for relaxation or medical reasons in some places.
• Overdose risks: Can cause severe anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. Very high doses can lead to serious health issues, although overdose is extremely rare. 

Illegal drugs are highly risky. Always seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse.

Overdose Recovery & Addiction Treatment

Recovering from an overdose and finding the right addiction treatment [6] is essential for long-term health and well-being. Knowing how to respond to an overdose and where to find help can make all the difference.

What to Do If Someone is Overdosing

If someone is showing signs of an overdose, you should: 

• Stay calm: Try to stay calm so you can help the person effectively. Take a deep breath and focus on what to do next.
• Call for help: Dial 911 or your local emergency number right away. Tell them someone is overdosing and give the exact location.
• Check for signs of overdose: Look for signs like slow or no breathing, very small pupils, blue or pale skin, and unconsciousness. These are serious warning signs.
• Give information: When you call 911, tell them what drug the person took, how much, and when. This information helps them know how to treat the overdose.
• Perform CPR if needed: If the person is not breathing or their heart has stopped, you may need to do CPR. If you know how, start chest compressions and rescue breaths. The 911 operator can guide you.
• Use naloxone if available: If the person overdosed on opioids and you have naloxone [7] (Narcan), use it. Follow the instructions on the package to give the medicine.
• Stay with the person: Stay with the person until help arrives. Keep them awake and sitting up if possible. If they are unconscious, turn them on their side to keep their airway clear.
• Follow up: After emergency help arrives and the person is safe, encourage them to get professional help for their addiction. Treatment centers can offer support and resources for recovery.
• Seek support for yourself: Helping someone during an overdose can be very stressful. Talk to a counselor or join a support group to help deal with your feelings.

Finding an Addiction Treatment Center Near You

Here’s how to find the best addiction treatment center near you if you’re concerned about pills that can kill you or any other form of substance abuse.

Ask for help

Talk to a doctor, nurse, or school counselor. They can help you find a treatment center near you.

Search online

Use the internet to search for addiction treatment centers. Type “addiction treatment center near me” into a search engine like Google.

Call a helpline

There are hotlines you can call for free help finding a treatment center. One example is SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Check local hospitals

Some hospitals have addiction treatment programs. Call your local hospital and ask if they offer these services.

Visit a community health center

Community health centers often provide information and support for addiction treatment. You can find these centers in many neighborhoods.

Talk to someone in recovery

If you know someone who has been through addiction treatment, ask them for recommendations. They might know good places to get help.

Look for support groups

Support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)[8] or NA (Narcotics Anonymous)[9] can help you find treatment centers and provide ongoing support.

Use government resources

Many state and local governments have websites with lists of approved addiction treatment centers. Check your state’s health department website for information. 

Ask your insurance company

If you have health insurance, call your insurance company to ask which treatment centers they cover. This can help you find affordable options.

Getting help is the first step to recovery. There are many resources available to guide you through finding the right treatment center.

Overdose | FAQs

What pills can you overdose on?

You can overdose on many types of pills, like painkillers, sleeping pills, and antidepressants. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.

What pills can kill you?

Pills like opioids, some heart medications, and strong painkillers can be deadly if taken in large amounts. Be very careful with these medicines.

What are the most dangerous OTC drugs?

Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen, cold medicines, and ibuprofen can be very dangerous if taken too much. Always read the label.

What medicine can you overdose on?

You can overdose on many types of medicine, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. Even common medicines can be risky in large doses.

Is overdosing painful?

Overdosing can be very painful and cause serious health problems. It can also be deadly, so it’s important to get help right away.

What are the deadly OTC combinations to avoid?

Avoid mixing over-the-counter drugs like cold medicine and painkillers. Some combinations can be very dangerous and even deadly.

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• Talk therapy
• Motivational therapy
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• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Aftercare

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Sources

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db491.pdf

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470415/

[3] https://familydoctor.org/your-health-resources/drugs-procedures-and-devices/prescription-medicines/

[4] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids

[5] https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/schedules.html

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3678283/

[7] https://www.dea.gov/onepill/save-lives

[8] http://aa.org/

[9] http://na.org/