
Pupillary constriction (or pupillary dilation due to anoxia from severe overdose) and at least 1 of the following signs or symptoms developing during, or shortly after, opioid use:
- Drowsiness or coma
- Slurred speech
- Impairment in attention or memory
Severe: Hypotension ↓(<90/60) (*TACHY instead of BRADY due to reflex)
Management
- Attending to vital life signs, airway, breathing, and circulation is the most important first step.
- In severe respiratory depression, the individual may require intubation.
- Naloxone is the emergency treatment of choice and should be administered as soon as possible if there is high clinical suspicion for an opioid overdose.
- Naloxone can be administered via intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intranasal routes.
- Post-naloxone administration, the individual can become combative or violent, and use of restraints may be required.